Hamas hands over more hostage remains to Israel

ISRAEL received remains in Gaza yesterday of a possible hostage and said it will begin allowing Palestinians to leave the war-torn territory through a border crossing with Egypt.

- JULIA FRANKEL

Islamic Jihad and Hamas militants searching for the remains of deceased hostages in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, yesterday

Hamas had said it would return the newly discovered remains yesterday, but it was not immediately clear to whom they belonged. Only two hostages are believed to remain in Gaza and the first phase of the deal is supposed to end when both are returned.

The deal calls for the long-closed Rafah crossing to be opened for medical evacuations and travel to and from the strip. The World Health Organisation says there are more than 16,500 sick and wounded people who need to leave Gaza for medical care.

An Israeli official told the Associated Press that Rafah would be open only for Palestinians to exit Gaza, not enter. Egypt, which controls the other side, said the crossing would open only if movement goes both ways.

Following the exchanges, the 20-point plan calls for creating an international stabilisation force, forming a technocratic Palestinian government and disarming Hamas.

Hamas had said it would return another hostage at 5pm (3pm UK time). The remains are likely to undergo testing to determine if they belong to either hostage still in Gaza.