The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet internal security agency recovered the bodies of hostages of six men held in Gaza since October, i24NEWS reported on August 20.

The retrieval of the bodies allows the IDF to further investigate the causes of death as diplomatic efforts continue, including ongoing negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages. The bodies were located in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, after months of a lack of contact. 

The rescue operation was conducted under the command of Israel's 98th Division and carried out by the Paratroopers Brigade, 'Yahalom' Unit, and the 75th Battalion, along with ISA forces, the IDF reported on their channel.

"The operation was enabled by precise intelligence from the ISA, IDF intelligence units, and the IDF Intelligence Directorate Hostage Headquarters," the IDF claimed on August 20. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent his condolences to the bereaved families. "Our hearts grieve over the terrible loss. My wife Sarah and I offer our deepest condolences to the dear families."

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant also conveyed his sympathies while commending the security forces involved in the operation. He emphasised that the mission reflects the determination of Israel's armed forces and reiterated the government's commitment to dismantling Hamas and securing the return of all hostages.

The IDF had previously confirmed the deaths of Dancyg and Buchshtav in July, and Peri, Metzger, and Popplewell in early June, all believed to have been killed in Khan Yunis, Times of Israel noted. Although Avraham Munder had not been officially declared dead, the IDF expressed concerns about his well-being.

Kibbutz Nir Oz announced on August 20 the death of Abraham Munder, 79, whose body was found in a tunnel in southern Gaza. The kibbutz, targeted in Hamas' October 7 attack, released a statement expressing "deep sorrow" over Munder's death in captivity.

Additionally, Kibbutz Nirim confirmed the return of the bodies of Yigav Buchshtab, 35, and Nadav Popplewell, 51. Buchshtab was kidnapped alongside his wife Rimon, 36, who was freed in November. Popplewell was taken with his mother Hannah Perry, released after 49 days in captivity.

"Buchshtab was killed during an Israeli operation in Khan Yunis, while Popplewell died as a result of Israeli fire," an Israeli military source said, speaking on condition of anonymity, Iranian media claimed.

The body of Yoram Metzger, 80, from Kibbutz Nir Oz, was also recovered. His wife Tamar, who was kidnapped, had been previously released.

The release of the bodies and collection could be part of a wider de-escalation between Hamas in Gaza and Israel.

Palestine's Yahya Sinwar, the new Hamas leader, is reportedly actively participating in ceasefire negotiations and decision-making, a senior Hamas Iran’s Al Alam reported August 20.

"Sinwar has been following the negotiation process, blessing it, and has been a partner in making decisions related to it," said Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official, in an interview with Western news agencies.

Hamdan added that communication with Sinwar "has its tools and mechanisms," acknowledging that security conditions impact their efforts to protect him from Israeli forces.

However, he assured that "these communications are carried out smoothly and satisfactorily, achieving the goal."

The Hamas official also criticized recent statements by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggesting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had accepted an updated ceasefire proposal for Gaza.

"This proposal raises many ambiguities because it is not the paper presented to us and not the one Hamas agreed to," Hamdan stated.

He said that Hamas had already informed mediators that it does not need "new negotiations or new ideas," insisting that there is an agreed-upon proposal that needs implementation, which he said is based on US President Joe Biden's initiative.