The Israeli military has said that Hamas handed over the bodies of two more Israeli captives, after more than 100 people were killed in recent strikes in Gaza.
The move came after Israel accused the Islamic group of violating the ceasefire agreement and carried out airstrikes on the occupied Gaza Strip. Health authorities in Gaza said, "104 people were killed in the strikes since Wednesday."
Israeli authorities have criticised Hamas for not following the conditions of the ceasefire and demanded the release of all remaining 13 hostages after the ceasefire deal took effect on October 10. Hamas has, in turn, also accused Israel of violating the terms of the agreement.
On Thursday, the Israeli military announced that it had received two coffins containing the remains of the deceased hostages. Mediators have focused on whether the resumption of the transfers will help ease the situation.
Besides the frustration in the hostage families, there is widespread anger over the delayed release of the captives. The Israeli government is under pressure over the delay in the exchange of prisoners with hostages.
Meanwhile, Hamas has reacted strongly to the killing of 104 people, saying “the world must understand that the lives of the Palestinian people, especially women and children, are not cheap.” While the international rights groups have criticised Israel for resuming operations in Gaza. The fragile truce between the two sides has remained in place.
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