Red Cross receives bodies of four slain hostages

The Red Cross received the bodies of four Israeli hostages from Hamas on February 27, 2025. This exchange occurred in the Gaza Strip, where Israel also released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, a move that had been delayed previously. The handover was confirmed by an Israeli security official and facilitated by Egyptian mediators. Unlike past exchanges, this transfer did not involve ceremonies, which Israeli officials criticized for being exploitative. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had postponed earlier exchanges due to concerns over Hamas's treatment of hostages. The United Nations has condemned such practices, emphasizing the need for respect in handling the remains of deceased individuals.