Qatar's prime minister on Saturday said the Gaza ceasefire has reached a "critical moment" as its first phase winds down, with the remains of one Israeli hostage still to be handed over by militants.

The bodies of two deceased hostages are still thought to be in Gaza. Israeli authorities have been releasing Palestinian prisoners and the bodies of deceased Palestinians detainees in exchange for the return of hostage remains.

Israel had agreed to open the Rafah crossing as part of the October cease-fire deal with Hamas but kept it closed. Egypt denied that the border would reopen soon.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel on Tuesday said it had received remains handed over by Palestinian fighters in Gaza to the Red Cross. They were believed to be remains of one of the two hostages still in the territory: an Israeli and a Thai national.

In all, 20 living hostages and the remains of 27 others have been returned to Israel since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire began in early October.

A new decision by the Israel Land Authority Council in the Gaza Envelope will allocate up to 85% of plots to locals, giving clear priority to reservists and combatants.

Israel has announced plans to reopen the Rafah border crossing in the coming days, allowing Palestinians to leave Gaza.

Former hostage Edan Alexander wears IDF uniform for first time since Gaza captivity, vowing to use his knowledge of Hamas tactics to fight back.