The set of remains handed over to Israel on Tuesday were those of Itay Chen, the final remaining American Israeli hostage, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

The few buildings still standing in this expanse of northern Gaza protrude from the earth like broken bones. Around them, what was once a dense, urban neighborhood has been blown up, knocked down or otherwise crushed into debris and dust.

Hamas said it would consider giving up missiles and rockets as part of a ceasefire with Israel, a sign the group is prepared to make further concessions toward the US-brokered roadmap for peace.

USAID Office of the Inspector General is pursuing allegations that U.S. taxpayer dollars sent to the Gaza Strip were diverted to Hamas terrorists in the enclave.

The goal is was to stabilize the ceasefire and clear the roughly half of Gaza that Israel controls of Hamas militants.

Emirati newspaper Al-Ain pointed out that recent actions taken by the Turkish government might indicate point to Hamas adharence to the ceasefire, while the Turks seek to gain influence in the Strip.