While many families whose loved ones were recently released from Hamas captivity have begun the process of healing, several others still wait for the remains of their loved ones killed while in custody to be returned. Despite the agreed-upon deadline today to release all hostages, alive and deceased, The Jerusalem Post reports that Hamas has just released four of the hostages’ bodies to the IDF.
Before crossing into Israeli territory, a military protocol will be held in the Gaza Strip in their memory. During the protocol, IDF soldiers will drape the hostages’ coffins with Israeli flags, salute them, and recite a chapter from the Book of Psalms.
“Hamas is required to uphold the agreement and take the necessary steps to return all the deceased hostages,” the IDF added.
While they have yet to be confirmed, Bipin Joshi, Yossi Sharabi, Guy Lllouz, and Daniel Peretz are the identities of these victims based on Hamas’ plans to return them today. Meanwhile, the Red Cross is working on site to make sure that all remaining hostages are released as per the agreement. Hamas, in the past, has said that it would need more time to locate deceased hostages, as it claims contact with the groups holding them was lost. However, Israeli sources call this dishonest as the IDF follows through with the withdrawal from Gaza and prisoner exchange.
The Fellowship praises God that shalom, peace, is within reach as those who have been in our thoughts and prayers for the past two years finally return home. We also pray that the remaining hostages, whose memories will never fade, return home just as agreed upon.
