Hamas Delivers More Bodies to Israel Amid Ongoing Ceasefire Challenges

Thu Oct 16 2025 03:25:42 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Hamas has returned two bodies of Israeli hostages but claims it cannot recover all deceased due to the difficult conditions in Gaza. The situation raises concerns about the continuation of the ceasefire agreement.

Hamas has returned two more bodies of Israeli hostages as part of a ceasefire deal but states that recovering the remaining deceased requires specialized resources. Tensions mount as Israel insists on the return of all hostages and prepares for potential military action if agreements are not upheld.

Hamas announced it has returned the bodies of two additional Israeli hostages, adhering to the terms of a United States-backed ceasefire agreement. However, the group stated it is unable to retrieve the remaining deceased hostages from the ravaged areas of Gaza without specialized equipment and more time.

In a recent statement, the armed faction of Hamas confirmed their commitment to the deal, emphasizing that all recoverable bodies had been returned. This comes amid rising tensions as U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that Israeli armed forces may resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas fails to comply with the ceasefire terms.

According to the Israeli Prime Minister's office, the bodies were received via the Red Cross and are pending official identification. Authorities urged the public to exercise patience and sensitivity while families await news regarding their loved ones.

If the identities of the two recently returned bodies are verified as hostages, this would leave 19 individuals still unaccounted for in Gaza. Hamas is obligated to return all 28 deceased hostages as stipulated in the initial phase of the Gaza peace plan.

Hamas claimed that recovering the remaining bodies involves considerable effort and significant resources, asserting their commitment to resolving the situation. Meanwhile, Israel has signaled its unwavering stance on ensuring the return of all hostages, with the defense minister instructing the IDF to formulate a comprehensive strategy to address Hamas in case the conflict resumes.

The situation remains fluid, with the latest returns following Israel's earlier discovery that one of the four bodies returned by Hamas was not among the missing hostages. Three other bodies have been identified as those of Tamir Nimrodi, Eitan Levy, and Uriel Baruch, confirming their identities as per the Hostages Families Forum.

On the humanitarian front, UN officials have called for all crossings into Gaza to be opened for aid, while warning that withholding assistance from civilians is not a bargaining tool. The ceasefire agreement has seen a partial handover of bodies on both sides, but concerns linger among Gaza residents about the stability of this ceasefire, fearing potential renewed conflict.

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, local traders are reported to be stockpiling food, leading to increased prices amidst speculation of returning hostilities. Residents voice their anxieties as they navigate life under ongoing threats, reflecting a prevailing lack of trust in the permanent resolution of the conflict.