Israeli Public Broadcasting Authority reported on Wednesday that Israel has decided to proceed with the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt to allow for the transport of humanitarian aid into the region, following the return of remains of four hostages.
The report also indicated that Israel has canceled previously planned measures against Hamas, which included a proposal to cut in half the number of aid trucks permitted to enter Gaza.
Later on Wednesday, the Israeli broadcasting authority confirmed that 600 aid trucks will be allowed into Gaza as the Rafah crossing reopens.
On Tuesday, Hamas delivered the remains of additional hostages to Israel, signaling some progress after a series of setbacks earlier in the day, coinciding with the announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to resolve the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The Israeli military stated on Tuesday that it had received four coffins from the Red Cross at a meeting point in northern Gaza, noting that these were transported into Israel around 2100 GMT for forensic examination.
The delivery of the remains occurred after Israel announced it would permit only half the number of humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza, a punitive action against Hamas for what Israel termed a violation of the ceasefire agreement related to the return of hostage remains.
However, the return of additional remains continues to be a significant issue in the agreement intended to end the conflict that has been ongoing for more than two years.
To date, Hamas has handed over eight remains of individuals detained by them, leaving at least 19 others presumed dead and an additional detainee whose status is unknown in Gaza.