Only 12 returnees were allowed to cross the newly reopened border with Egypt on the first day, far fewer than the expected number.
Guy Gilboa-Dalal says he was sexually abused by one of his captors in the tunnels of Gaza and threatened with death if he said anything.
Israel and Egypt had disagreed for months about how to resume operations at the Rafah border crossing, which has been largely closed since May 2024.
The only crossing that connects Gaza with Egypt has reopened. The move will allow residents to leave for medical care or return to homes and families in the territory.
A local health official said at least 26 people had been killed in the attacks, which the Israeli military said had targeted Hamas commanders.
Thousands of Palestinians are waiting to be evacuated for medical treatment as the border between Gaza and Egypt looks set to reopen in the coming days.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed some soldiers’ deaths in the Gaza war on a lack of ammunition caused by a pause in American weapon deliveries during President Biden’s term.
A draft resolution revealed some of the plans for the new international body, which met for the first time last week amid criticism from some U.S. allies.
The recovery of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili’s body paves the way for the next stage of the Gaza cease-fire plan, though the path forward is unclear.
The Rafah crossing will open at the end of Israel’s search for the remains of the last captive in Gaza.