Israel Rejects ‘Findings’ from Gaza, Confirms Two Remains Still Missing

The sensitive and emotionally charged exchange process under the US-brokered ceasefire faced a setback this week after the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced Wednesday that forensic analysis on “findings” returned from the Gaza Strip did not match the remains of the two hostages who are still known to be dead and held by Hamas.

The material was transferred to Israeli authorities on Tuesday, reportedly sourced from the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya. However, after detailed forensic examination, Israel confirmed the material was not linked to the deceased individuals still held captive. This event underscores the persistent complications and tensions surrounding the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, which is intended to facilitate the return of all hostages and their remains.

Since the ceasefire took effect in early October, the exchanges have been a central component of the initial phase of the deal. So far, Israel has received 20 living hostages and the remains of 26 deceased hostages.

The two individuals whose remains are still sought are:Ran Gvili (Israeli): A confirmed casualty, Gvili was killed while fighting after helping civilians escape the devastating Nova music festival attack on October 7, 2023. Sudthisak Rinthalak (Thai National): An agricultural worker who was abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri, one of the communities most severely impacted by the initial attack. The Thai Foreign Ministry has noted that 46 Thai nationals were killed during the war, with 31 workers initially abducted, most of whom have since been released in earlier ceasefires.

The exchange mechanism operates on a reciprocal basis, with Israel releasing 15 Palestinian bodies for the remains of each deceased hostage returned. However, the process has been fraught with accusations from both sides. Israel has alleged that Hamas has, in some cases, handed over partial remains or staged the discovery of bodies, while Hamas has stated that the extensive, widespread devastation across Gaza makes the recovery of remains logistically challenging.

Despite the ongoing controversy, the exchanges proceed as both sides accuse the other of violating other terms of the fragile agreement. The broader ceasefire deal ultimately aims to wind down the conflict that was triggered by the Hamas-led assault, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel and the taking of 251 hostages.