It's been nearly a decade-long wait, but on Sunday, Israel confirmed the remains returned by Hamas are those of Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, the 23-year-old soldier killed in 2014. Forensic tests completed this weekend paved the way for Goldin's burial, bringing a measure of closure to the family that campaigned publicly for 11 years. 🤲
Goldin was killed by Hamas fighters about an hour after a previous ceasefire took effect. This week's exchange saw Hamas release 20 living hostages and remains of 24 others, including Goldin. Four bodies are still held in Gaza – three Israelis and one Thai national.
Meanwhile, Gaza authorities reported that Israel released around 300 Palestinian bodies, with many still awaiting identification. Though the truce, which began on October 10, has largely held, air strikes and demolitions in Gaza continue, with authorities reporting over 69,000 deaths since October 2023. 💔
As the ceasefire hits the one-month mark, regional mediators are pushing to strengthen the calm. Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani spoke by phone, pledging to support truce efforts and discuss the U.S. peace plan for Gaza.
The two officials also emphasized the need for unity between the West Bank and Gaza, urging Palestinians to take charge of their affairs and maintain a unified decision-making process. Talks in the United Nations Security Council on deploying international forces in Gaza are underway, aiming to bolster recovery and reconstruction. 🕊️
Despite ongoing challenges, families on both sides remain hopeful that sustained dialogue and international support will pave the way for longer-lasting peace and healing. ✨
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Israel identifies remains of soldier as fragile Gaza ceasefire holds
cgtn.com
