Gaza Conflict Update: Hostages, Ceasefire, and Peacekeeping

The father of Evyatar David, a 24-year-old Israeli hostage recently released by Hamas, reports that his son is recovering well after being held captive in a Gazan tunnel. Evyatar was forced to dig his own grave and was shown in a Hamas video in August, emaciated and barely able to survive. He was released as part of a US-brokered ceasefire deal along with other hostages. The released hostages were welcomed back to their homes and were treated at Rabin Medical Centre, where doctors noted the physical and metabolic trauma they suffered during captivity. The release was part of a larger exchange involving Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

The King of Jordan, Abdullah II, has stated that international troops will be hesitant to enforce peace in Gaza under the Trump ceasefire plan due to concerns about being drawn into a prolonged conflict. The King expressed his concerns in an interview with BBC Panorama, highlighting the complexities of the situation and the need for a peacekeeping mandate rather than peace enforcement. Jordan has been involved in efforts to deliver aid to Gaza and evacuate sick and wounded children. The King's comments reflect the concerns of the US and other nations about being dragged into the conflict between Hamas and Israel. Queen Rania also spoke to Panorama, criticizing the international community for failing to stop the war and praising President Trump for pressuring Israel to agree to a ceasefire.

Israel has received a coffin containing the body of a hostage held in Gaza, according to Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) retrieved the coffin through the Red Cross and will conduct forensic tests to identify the remains. This is the 16th dead hostage returned by Hamas out of 28. Israel accuses Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement by not returning all hostages' bodies, while Hamas claims it needs help finding remains buried under rubble. The handover followed Israel allowing a Hamas member to enter IDF-controlled territory in Gaza to assist the Red Cross and Egyptian personnel in searching for remaining hostages. Families of Israeli hostages are pressing for immediate action to ensure Hamas hands over all bodies, warning against advancing to the next phase of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement until Hamas fulfills its obligations.