Aid trucks enter Gaza amid pause in hostage bodies dispute
Aid trucks entered Gaza on Wednesday, and Israel resumed preparations to open the Rafah crossing after a disagreement over the return of dead hostages' bodies threatened the ceasefire deal with Hamas. Israel had warned of keeping Rafah closed and reducing aid if Hamas did not return bodies promptly. However, Hamas returned more bodies, and Israel began readying to open Rafah and send in 600 aid trucks. Hamas pledged to hand over two more bodies on Wednesday night.
Hamas returned four bodies of confirmed hostages on Oct. 13 and another four on Oct. 14, although Israel disputed one body's identity. The dispute over body returns remains a potential threat to the ceasefire deal, along with other unresolved issues. Israel demands Hamas disarm and relinquish power, which Hamas has refused. The ceasefire plan also includes governance of Gaza, an international stabilization force, and steps towards a Palestinian state.
Twenty-one hostages' bodies are still in Gaza, with challenges in locating and recovering them due to conflict destruction. An international task force is tasked with finding them. Israel is to return 360 Palestinian bodies, with the first 45 handed over on Oct. 14. The war has caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, leading to widespread displacement, famine, and overwhelmed health services.
Aid trucks were seen at the Rafah crossing on Oct. 15, with uncertainty if they would fully enter Gaza as part of the 600-truck quota for the day. The Rafah crossing is set to open for people on Oct. 16, with a European Union mission present. The Palestinian Authority plans to manage the crossing. Humanitarian aid continues to enter Gaza through various crossings after Israeli security checks.
The United Nations' emergency relief coordinator noted that while 600 trucks were approved, more aid is needed to address the significant demand. Israel's National Security Minister criticized the aid delivery, calling it a "disgrace." Several Palestinian factions in Gaza support Hamas' security actions against local clans. The U.S. military urged Hamas to cease violence against civilians and disarm promptly.
President Donald Trump endorsed Hamas' crackdown on gangs but warned of airstrikes if disarmament did not follow. Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas condemned public executions in Gaza. Israeli forces have withdrawn to a designated line outside main cities as per the ceasefire deal, with plans to enforce violations promptly.