Fragile Peace Holds as Remains Exchanged

The Israeli military confirmed on Friday, 7 November 2025, that it had received a coffin containing what is believed to be the body of a hostage held in Gaza. The transfer, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), is a critical component of a complex and often fraught ceasefire agreement that commenced on 10 October 2025. The remains were discovered in Khan Younis in southern Gaza and transported to the Abu Kabir National Center of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv for identification.

This handover is part of the first phase of a comprehensive, US-brokered peace plan signed on 9 October 2025, aimed at ending the conflict that escalated significantly after the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October 2023. Under the initial terms of the deal, Hamas was to release all 20 remaining living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives. In exchange, Israel agreed to release approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees and withdraw its forces to an agreed-upon line within Gaza.

The Human Cost: Hostages and Prisoners

Prior to this latest transfer, Hamas had returned all 20 living hostages and the remains of 22 deceased individuals. The remaining bodies still held in Gaza are reported to be those of five Israelis and one Thai national. The process has been painstaking, with Hamas citing the difficulty of locating remains amidst the widespread destruction in Gaza. Israeli officials have, at times, accused the group of delaying the process and have insisted that all remains must be returned before subsequent phases of the peace plan can proceed.

The exchange has seen nearly 2,000 Palestinians freed from Israeli jails, including 250 serving life sentences and over 1,700 who were detained from Gaza during the war. For Palestinians, the release of prisoners is a deeply emotional issue, with many viewing them as freedom fighters. The return of the living Israeli hostages in mid-October was met with widespread relief and jubilation in Israel.

Kenya's Diplomatic Stance and Regional Implications

The Kenyan government has publicly welcomed the ceasefire agreement, describing it as a crucial step toward alleviating human suffering. In a statement issued on 9 October 2025, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, urged all parties to build upon the breakthrough to achieve a lasting peace anchored in a two-state solution, a position consistently articulated by President William Ruto at the United Nations. Kenya commended the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey in mediating the deal.

While direct Kenyan involvement in the conflict is minimal, the nation's diplomatic stance reflects a broader concern for regional stability. Economists have noted potential indirect impacts on East African nations, including shifts in international aid and geopolitical alliances. President Ruto has maintained that while Israel is a key ally, the conflict cannot be resolved through military means and has condemned attacks on civilians on both sides.

Ceasefire Violations and an Uncertain Future

The ceasefire, which took effect on Friday, 10 October 2025, at 12:00 PM EAT, has been punctuated by accusations of violations from both sides. Israel has conducted air strikes following attacks it attributed to Hamas, while Hamas has accused Israel of firing on civilians. These incidents highlight the fragility of the truce and the significant hurdles remaining for the subsequent phases of the peace plan, which are intended to address the reconstruction of Gaza and establish a new governing structure.

The international community, including the ICRC which acts as a neutral intermediary in the exchanges, continues to play a vital role. The path forward remains uncertain, with deep-seated issues such as the disarmament of militant groups and the long-term political status of Gaza yet to be resolved. The successful and complete exchange of all hostages and remains is viewed as a critical test of both parties' commitment to the broader peace process.