Hamas-affiliated excavators reportedly search for captives’ bodies under ICRC supervision

Hamas-affiliated teams are carrying out extensive digging and excavation operations in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, reportedly aiming to recover the bodies of 'Israeli' captives killed during the war.

These operations, conducted under international supervision, are part of implementing the terms of the ceasefire agreement, which obliges Hamas to hand over the remains of all deceased captives. According to field reports, the search and excavation efforts are concentrated in Khan Yunis.

Teams are using heavy machinery such as bulldozers and excavators to clear large amounts of rubble from destroyed buildings, attempting to reach locations believed to contain the bodies. Hamas has stated that some remains are located inside structures destroyed by Israeli strikes, making it impossible to recover them without such heavy equipment.

Some of these operations are supervised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is responsible for receiving the remains once found before transferring them to 'Israeli' authorities.

These efforts have already produced initial results, with Hamas handing over the remains of one captive found during the excavation operations on Friday.

The search for 'Israeli' captives’ bodies in Gaza continues under challenging field conditions due to the extensive destruction caused by 'Israeli' airstrikes and a severe shortage of heavy machinery needed to clear the debris. Authorities involved in the operations have noted that 'Israel' continues to restrict the entry of necessary equipment, hampering search and recovery efforts.

Hamas primarily manages the recovery operations, with additional personnel supporting the effort. Reports indicate that from last night through Friday evening, debris clearing and searches continued without interruption, but 'Israeli' bodies have yet to be fully recovered.

The destruction in Gaza has altered urban layouts, particularly in the northern areas of Khan Yunis, where many buildings were destroyed.

Reports also note that searches are ongoing in northern Khan Yunis for one 'Israeli' captive who was with six others targeted by airstrikes in late February and early March of last year.

Six bodies were recovered when 'Israeli' forces entered the area on August 19, with the seventh still missing. Efforts are now focused on locating the remains of that final captive.