Israel says received presumed remains of Gaza hostage

Israel announced Wednesday it had received hostage remains found in Gaza from the Red Cross, which were being transported to the morgue for identification.

It comes as the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains fragile, with both sides accusing each other of violating the terms.

Under the first phase of the deal -- which came into effect in October -- Palestinian militants were due to return all 48 hostages they held captive, 20 of whom were still alive.

All but the bodies of two hostages -- Israeli Ran Gvili and Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak -- have since been handed over, but Israel has accused Hamas of dragging their feet on returning remains.

"Israel has received, via the Red Cross, the coffin of a deceased hostage, which was delivered to (army) and Shin Bet (internal security service) forces in the Gaza Strip," Prime Minister........

© Al Monitor