• Hamas returns 15 bodies of deceased Palestinians under a US-brokered ceasefire deal.
• Israeli Prime Minister confirms another body of a deceased hostage has been received.
• Ongoing violence continues despite the ceasefire agreement, raising humanitarian concerns.

Under a US-brokered ceasefire deal, Hamas has returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza's Nasser Hospital, part of ongoing exchanges that have occurred since the ceasefire began on October 10. This exchange has totaled 285 bodies returned by Israel under the agreement, which stipulates that for every Israeli body returned, 15 Palestinian bodies are given back. Israel has accused Hamas of delaying the return of deceased hostages, claiming many bodies remain buried under rubble in Gaza according to the assessments of the Palestinian group, which seeks assistance to recover them, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

The return of bodies has been closely monitored, with the latest exchange including the remains of an Israeli hostage that were confirmed by Israel's Prime Minister's office. This corpse was transferred to the military and sent for verification. Despite these exchanges, sporadic violence continues, with reports from Gaza health authorities indicating casualties due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes, which has complicated the humanitarian situation further, according to Los Angeles Times and BBC.

As efforts for further negotiations proceed, allegations of breaches of the ceasefire terms have arisen on both sides. Israel has claimed that Hamas is not fully complying with the agreement concerning the return of all hostages, including the deceased. Meanwhile, Hamas maintains that locating bodies has been hindered by the extensive destruction in Gaza, exacerbated by Israeli military operations and restrictions on necessary recovery equipment. "The process requires time due to the massive destruction in Gaza," Hamas officials stated, as they continue to navigate the complex conditions on the ground, according to Al Jazeera and Anadolu Agency.

As these exchanges continue, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. Aid organizations emphasize the need for increased humanitarian access, citing that many families rely on community kitchens due to the ongoing blockade, even amidst the supposed truce. Humanitarian conditions remain dire, as essential supplies are inadequately reaching those in need, according to Le Monde and Al Jazeera.