Since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza began this month, Palestinian militants have so far released the remains of 20 hostages that were held for the past two years. But the process of returning the bodies of the last eight remaining hostages, as called for under the truce deal, is progressing slowly.

Hamas says it has not been able to reach all of the remains because they are buried under rubble left behind by Israels two-year offensive in the Gaza Strip. Israel has accused the militants of dragging their feet and threatened to resume military operations or withhold humanitarian aid if all of the remains are not returned.

In the most recent release, Hamas returned the bodies of three Israeli troops killed during the militants' Oct. 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel. Israel's military

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