Excavation efforts to locate the remains of Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas have yielded no results, following a thorough search on Sunday. The search operation, conducted on the eastern outskirts of Gaza City, was assisted by Egyptian excavation experts and equipment, as well as members of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Despite the collaborative effort, progress has been slow due to the challenging conditions.

The search for the remains is part of a larger recovery mission, which has been ongoing since the US-brokered ceasefire took effect on October 10. Under the terms of the agreement, Israel returns 15 Palestinian bodies for every Israeli body handed over by Hamas. So far, Hamas has returned the remains of 25 hostages, but three individuals remain unaccounted for.

Israeli officials have expressed concerns that Hamas is stalling the recovery process, while Hamas attributes the delays to the extensive destruction caused by Israel’s two-year offensive against Gaza. The rubble and debris resulting from the conflict have made it difficult for excavation teams to locate and identify the remains.

The recovery mission is a critical aspect of the ceasefire agreement, aiming to bring closure to the families of the hostages and facilitate a sense of resolution. As the search efforts continue, the international community remains vigilant, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and coordination between the parties involved. The return of the remaining hostages’ remains is seen as a crucial step towards moving forward and rebuilding.

With the search operation ongoing, the focus remains on locating the three unaccounted-for individuals. The Egyptian assistance and the involvement of the International Committee of the Red Cross underscore the international community’s commitment to supporting the recovery efforts. As the situation unfolds, the emphasis will be on ensuring a thorough and dignified recovery process, with the ultimate goal of providing closure to the affected families.