JERUSALEM — The remains of a mother of two young boys who were taken to Gaza together at the start of the Israel-Hamas war have been returned to Israel, bringing the total closer to the 33 hostages supposed to be released under the ceasefire that started last month.

"503 agonizing days of uncertainty have come to an end. We had hoped and prayed so much for a different outcome," the family said.

IDF to hold small ceremony in Gaza when it receives remains; Hamas official says terror group prepared to release all remaining captives in single 'batch' during phase two of truce