Israel is set to reopen the Rafah crossing from the Gaza Strip to Egypt, the Associated Press reported Wednesday, and Israeli authorities have received what may be the remains of a hostage taken in the October 7 terror attacks.
The remains could be the last of the bodies of deceased hostages in Gaza, pending forensic analysis, as Israel and Hamas continue to slowly implement the provisions of President Donald Trump’s peace plan. So far, Hamas has handed back all living hostages, but sporadic skirmishes with Israel have cast doubts on the sincerity of the terror group’s willingness to commit to disarmament.
Those who wish to leave Gaza will be required to seek approval from Israel, according to the AP.
Israel added that Palestinians returning to Gaza will only have access to the reopened crossing if all the hostages or their remains are returned, according to the AP. The crossing has only been open to Gazans who require urgent medical care throughout the war with Israel.
Trump’s peace plan calls for an international governing authority over Gaza headed by Palestinian technocrats, guiding a force of troops sourced from various Arab neighbor states. The United Nations formally approved the agreement in November, adding to pressure on Hamas to fully accept the terms.
Additionally, the Arab League publicly called for Hamas to disarm in a joint resolution in July.
Gazans fear that Hamas won’t fully honor the peace plan as the group began executing its rivals and those accused of betraying the organization shortly after accepting the proposal in October.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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