DEIR AL-BALAH —

Israel on Monday handed over the bodies of 45 Palestinians, the Red Cross said, a day after militants returned the remains of three hostages. Israeli officials identified the three as troops who were killed in the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that triggered the war.

Video above: Coverage from Oct. 29, deadliest day in Gaza since ceasefire

The exchange marked another step forward for the tenuous, U.S.-brokered ceasefire in the two-year conflict — the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and the militant Hamas group.

Since the truce took effect on Oct. 10 , Palestinian militants have released the remains of 20 hostages, with eight now still remaining in Gaza.

For each Israeli hostage returned, Israel has been releasing the remains of 15 Pa

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