US officials discuss next stages of fragile ceasefire

ISRAEL yesterday returned the remains of 15 Palestinians to Gaza in the latest step forward for a US-brokered ceasefire, as a White House envoy met Israeli leaders to discuss the next stages of the agreement.

- ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTERS

Young Palestinians trying to make a living by collecting firewood near the Al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza. For thousands of families, this activity has become a vital means of survival and warmth

(ANADOLU)

Israel returned the bodies after Palestinian militants released the remains of a hostage on Sunday. With the latest exchange, only four bodies of hostages remained in Gaza.

As the first stage of the agreement reached its waning days, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, met yesterday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

The last ceasefire agreement in January 2025 fizzled after the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, with Israel launching a wave of airstrikes over Gaza.

At the time, mediators were unable to bring Hamas and Israel to the table to negotiate troop withdrawal and future governance of the strip.

They face a similar challenge now, as the next stage of the agreement calls for the implementation of a governing body for Gaza and the deployment of an international stabilisation force.

The Gaza Health Ministry said the Red Cross handed over the Palestinian bodies yesterday, raising the total number received to 315. For each Israeli hostage returned, Israel has been releasing the remains of 15 Palestinians.

The ministry, part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals, maintains detailed records viewed as generally reliable.