Washington, Jan 27 (NationPress) The United States announced that the remains of all Israeli hostages detained in Gaza have now been returned, which senior US officials deemed a significant milestone in the ceasefire process. This development paves the way for discussions on the subsequent phase concerning Gaza's governance and reconstruction.

The return of the remains was the result of months of intense coordination involving Israel, the United States, and regional partners, fulfilling commitments made under the initial agreement that led to a ceasefire and the release of living hostages, as stated by a senior administration official.

“This marks the first time since 2014 that there are no Israeli hostages, dead or alive, in Gaza, which represents a substantial milestone,” an official remarked, emphasizing that this progress allows families and the broader region to “close this chapter as we advance to the next phase of Gaza's development.”

Officials credited the close collaboration between the Israeli government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s team, the Israel Defense Forces, Israeli military intelligence, the CIA, and Egyptian intelligence for ensuring a constant flow of information that led to the recovery of the remains, including that of a hostage held since 2014.

Senior Administration officials acknowledged the roles of Qatar and Turkey in facilitating Hamas’ cooperation. “Hamas was very cooperative in this. They upheld their obligations,” stated an official, dismissing claims that the process had stalled due to a lack of coordination.

According to the officials, a joint “fusion cell” was formed to oversee the effort, uniting all parties involved. They remarked that the successful recovery represented an outcome “nobody thought was possible.”

The officials noted that President Donald Trump took a personal interest in the matter, meeting with the families of hostages late last year and frequently seeking updates on the negotiations. They mentioned that Trump had promised he would not rest until the remains of the hostages were returned, a commitment that has now been fulfilled.

“This brings significant relief for President Trump,” one official noted, stating that the development has alleviated “a burden” for families in Israel and created room for a transition away from a prolonged state of war.

Focus is now shifting to the next phase of the agreement, which ties any extensive reconstruction in Gaza to the disarmament of Hamas. US officials stated that Washington is fully aligned with Israel on the principle that rebuilding cannot begin until Hamas disarms.

“No one in the American administration, Israel, or the Arab world wants to see reconstruction until there's a strong assurance that conflict won't arise again,” an official commented.

They argued that previous reconstruction endeavors have repeatedly failed as aid and resources were misappropriated for military purposes, leading to renewed violence and devastation. “The best outcome for the people of Gaza, if anyone genuinely cares, is for Hamas to disarm,” the official asserted.

Officials indicated that discussions on disarmament are anticipated to commence this week, alongside efforts to support a newly established National Committee for Gaza, which is described as a technical government aimed at assuming administrative control. They added that Israel has agreed to retreat from current security lines as disarmament advances.

Regarding border access, officials stated that the Rafah crossing would start limited reopening for foot traffic under stringent security coordination involving the US, Israel, and Egypt, along with the establishment of a local Palestinian police force. The rate of additional materials entering Gaza, including construction supplies, will be contingent upon security conditions.

“There is no plan B,” one official said, emphasizing that Hamas has signed an agreement and is expected to honor it. Enforcement will involve a broader international framework that includes Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, and other regional partners.

They also mentioned that the US remains open to discussions with Iran if Tehran chooses to engage under known terms while reaffirming support for advancing the Gaza process.

In recent weeks, the United States has advocated for an international “Board of Peace” framework to manage the post-conflict phase in Gaza. Officials reported that over 25 countries have now indicated their participation, with more announcements anticipated.

The Gaza conflict was ignited by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, resulting in civilian deaths and abductions, which initiated a prolonged Israeli military campaign in the enclave. Since then, mediation by the US, Egypt, and Qatar has sought to secure ceasefires, hostage releases, and humanitarian access amidst widespread devastation and civilian hardship in Gaza.