Israel has announced it will not proceed to the next phase of the Gaza peace plan until Hamas returns the remains of all 28 Israeli captives who died while in custody. This decision adds a new layer of complexity to the fragile ceasefire agreement brokered earlier this year between the two sides.
Unpredictable Israel
The Israeli government insists that the return of the bodies is a non-negotiable condition before any further steps, including troop withdrawals or expanded humanitarian aid, can be taken.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet reportedly reached this decision unanimously, citing moral and national obligations to the families of the deceased.
The ceasefire, which began in January after 15 months of intense conflict, has largely held despite sporadic violence.
Under the deal, Hamas agreed to release living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
So far, 90 Palestinian prisoners have been freed, and three Israeli captives were handed over to the Red Cross and returned to Israel.
However, the fate of the remaining captives, especially those confirmed dead, has become a sticking point.
Israeli officials argue that without the return of their remains, the peace process lacks closure and accountability.
Trump Credits Hamas
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly credited Hamas for its cooperation in efforts to recover the remains of Israeli captives held in Gaza.
“It’s a gruesome process. I almost hate to talk about it. But they are digging. There are areas where they are digging and they’re finding a lot of bodies. Then they have to separate the bodies. You wouldn’t believe this.”
Trump went on to describe the conditions in which some of the captives died in, stating that some of those bodies have been in there a long time and some of them are under rubble.
He further explained that Hamas have to remove the rubble, as some are in graves and some are in tunnels that are way down under the earth.
“And the tunnels are like three feet. Can you believe it? Three feet high. They lived like this for a long period of time. It’s a horrible, it’s a horrible atrocity at the same time.”
Trump’s comments came as part of broader remarks on the ceasefire and humanitarian efforts in Gaza, signalling a shift in tone and a push for closure in the ongoing conflict.
Hamas Responds with Caution
Hamas has acknowledged the demand but has not committed to a timeline for returning the bodies.
In a televised statement, Hamas military spokesperson Abu Obeida said the group remains committed to the ceasefire but accused Netanyahu of using the issue to stall progress.
The group has previously stated that many of the deceased captives were buried in areas destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, complicating recovery efforts.
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It has also emphasized the need for a full ceasefire and humanitarian access before any further cooperation.
They also suggest that Israel’s insistence on this point could derail broader efforts to stabilize Gaza and rebuild its devastated infrastructure.
The group’s willingness to assist in body recovery could be part of a broader effort to demonstrate goodwill in response to international pressure and Trump’s peace initiative.
International Reactions
The UN has cautiously welcomed the progress, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian cooperation in conflict zones.
Officials reiterated calls for both sides to uphold the ceasefire and prioritize the dignity of the deceased and their families.
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Regional powers such as Egypt and Qatar, who have played key roles in mediating between Hamas and Israel, viewed Trump’s comments as a positive step.
Egyptian diplomats noted that recognition of Hamas’s efforts could help build trust and accelerate negotiations.
EU representatives expressed concern over the humanitarian toll but acknowledged that any cooperation on body recovery is a sign of de-escalation.
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