Israel has confirmed that the body of hostage Dror Or was handed over by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). The exchange took place amid ongoing efforts to locate and repatriate the remains of hostages held in Gaza.
The transfer marks a somber development in the aftermath of the latest ceasefire. Despite the return, the bodies of two other Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, six weeks after the truce began. Israeli authorities continue to work with mediators to secure their return.
According to Israeli officials, both militant groups cooperated in returning Or’s body. The hostages had been held since the escalation of violence earlier this year, and the handover was coordinated under humanitarian arrangements.
“The handover means the bodies of two deceased hostages are still being held in Gaza six weeks after the ceasefire began,” Israeli media reported.
Dror Or had been among several hostages whose fate remained uncertain following the conflict. His family and others of missing captives continue to press for more transparent updates and further recovery efforts.
Author’s Summary: After weeks of negotiations, Hamas and PIJ returned the body of hostage Dror Or, while two more remain unaccounted for in Gaza more than a month after the ceasefire.