Israel recovered the body of a hostage from Gaza on Friday amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations, while Türkiye escalated tensions by issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes.
Hostage Recovery Under Ceasefire
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the transfer of the remains through the Red Cross, with forensic identification underway in Tel Aviv. Hamas stated the body was found in Khan Younis and emphasized efforts to resolve "challenges" in returning remaining deceased hostages. Since the October 10 ceasefire, 22 bodies have been repatriated, with six still held in Gaza.
Türkiye's Legal Move Condemned
Türkiye's Istanbul prosecutor accused Netanyahu and 36 others of "genocide" and "crimes against humanity," citing Israel's military campaign in Gaza. The investigation followed complaints from aid groups involved in the intercepted Global Sumud Flotilla mission. Israeli officials dismissed the warrants as a "PR stunt," highlighting Türkiye's role as a ceasefire guarantor despite President Erdogan's vocal criticism of Israel.
Over 68,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since hostilities began, according to local health authorities, while Israel reports 1,200 killed in Hamas' 2023 attack. The developments underscore deepening regional fractures as humanitarian conditions worsen.
