Israel has determined that three sets of remains handed over by Hamas on Friday do not belong to Israeli hostages, according to Xinhua. Examinations at the National Center for Forensic Medicine ruled out any connection to the captives held in Gaza, Israeli media reported.
An Israeli official, quoted by Ynet, said the finding does not violate the existing agreement, noting authorities had already assessed the remains were unlikely to be those of hostages but preferred “any findings” be submitted for verification. The arrangement with mediators requires that, in ambiguous cases, all recovered remains be transferred for forensic review.
Under the deal, Hamas is obligated to return 28 bodies; 11 are still in Gaza, Xinhua reported. Israeli outlets said additional identifications will proceed as more remains are received under the agreed process.
What’s next: Israeli authorities are expected to continue examinations as transfers occur, while officials and mediators monitor compliance and timing under the agreement.
This is a developing story. It will be updated as new information becomes available.
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