Israel Identifies Remains of Two Hostages, Rafah Crossing Remains Closed Amid Ceasefire Talks
Israel identified the remains of two hostages returned by Hamas yesterday, while simultaneously threatening to keep the Rafah border crossing closed indefinitely, complicating aid efforts and potential travel for Palestinians.
The bodies identified as Ronen Engel, a father of three from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, a Thai agricultural worker killed at Kibbutz Be’eri, were among 13 bodies handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross. Twelve have been identified as hostages, with Israel stating one body did not belong to a hostage. Engel’s wife and two children were previously released during a November 2023 ceasefire. The return of remains is a key component of the current ceasefire agreement aimed at ending years of conflict, but progress remains fragile.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated the Rafah crossing, the only one not controlled by Israel before the war, will remain closed “until further notice” pending Hamas’ fulfillment of its ceasefire obligations, specifically the return of the remains of all 28 deceased hostages. The Palestinian Authority announced procedures for Palestinians seeking to leave or enter Gaza through Rafah, requiring temporary travel documents issued by Palestinian Embassy staff in Cairo. Reopening the crossing is crucial for Palestinians needing medical care or wishing to connect with family in Egypt.
Meanwhile, ceasefire talks regarding a second phase have begun, according to Hamas, but are accompanied by accusations of violations from both sides. The Israeli military reported militants firing on troops in Rafah, while Hamas denied involvement. Hamas spokesman Hazem Kassem stated the second phase of negotiations “requires national consensus” and reiterated the group’s rejection of a role in governing a post-war Gaza, proposing a Community Support Committee of Palestinian technocrats instead. The U.S. State Department also accused Hamas of planning an attack against Palestinian civilians in Gaza, a claim Hamas dismissed as “false allegations,” accusing Israel of supporting armed groups within Gaza.
Officials say discussions will continue as Israel’s war in Gaza has resulted in over 68,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, and the ongoing conflict has left thousands more missing, according to the Red Cross.
