BEIRUT: The remains of a Lebanese civilian found in Israel were transported to Lebanon Thursday, following the intervention of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The remains were handed over to Lebanese authorities at the Ras Naqoura Blue Line crossing. “Our role is strictly humanitarian and part of our ongoing work to restore and maintain contact between people detained or separated in connection with armed conflict and their families,” said Juerg Montani, head of the ICRC delegation in Lebanon.“

Sometimes this includes the repatriation of mortal remains to the families, an important step in their process of mourning and closure.

The ICRC is acting in its capacity as a neutral intermediary at the request of the families and the Israeli and Lebanese authorities and with the full consent of all parties concerned.” In 2010, the ICRC repatriated six Lebanese civilians and the remains of six others back from Israel.