US is hopeful that the ceasefire in Gaza will hold as Hamas looks for more time to find the remaining hostage bodies

The US claims that as the ceasefire in Gaza advances, negotiations are still “positive” despite Hamas returning some bodies and living detainees.

After Hamas stated it needs more time to find the remaining bodies of Israeli hostages after the first phase of the Gaza peace plan, the United States has played off worries over the ceasefire in Gaza.

The arrangement called for Hamas to release the bodies of 28 captives as well as 20 alive hostages. As of right now, just nine bodies have been turned over, but the remaining captives have been returned. To find the rest, Hamas said, specialized technology is required.

Senior US aides said Wednesday night that talks with mediators were “positive,” adding that Hamas plans to keep its half of the bargain. Israel recognized sergeant-major Muhammad al-Atarash, 39, and Inbar Hayman, 27, as the two bodies who were turned over last night.

In the meantime, Israel stated that plans are “ongoing” to allow people to travel from Gaza through the Rafah crossing, but emphasized that aid will only be allowed in through other crossings. The Israeli military agency in charge of aid, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), stated that a date for when Rafah will be available to the public will be revealed later.

COGAT reaffirmed that “the Rafah crossing will not be used for humanitarian aid.” There was never any agreement on this. Following Israeli security inspections, aid continues to enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing and other checkpoints, in complete accordance with the negotiated agreement.