(BSS/AFP) - Israel said its forces received two hostage bodies from the Red Cross on Wednesday which had been returned under a US-brokered ceasefire deal in Gaza.

"Israel has received, through the Red Cross, two coffins containing the bodies of hostages who were handed over to IDF (Israeli military) and Shin Bet (security agency) forces inside the Gaza Strip," a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu`s office said.

Shortly afterwards, the military said the coffins had crossed over into Israeli territory where they would be identified.