In a critical development under the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire, Hamas has returned the remains of four more Israeli hostages, with three identities confirmed, while President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum for the group to disarm or face forceful action. The fragile truce faces new tensions as both sides navigate the delayed return of deceased captives and the looming disarmament demand.
On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Hamas handed over the bodies of four deceased hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza. The Hostages Families Forum confirmed the identities of three: Tamir Nimrodi, 20; Eitan Levy, 53; and Uriel Baruch, 35. Scientists are still working to identify the fourth body, bringing the total number of confirmed returns to seven out of 28 deceased hostages agreed upon in the ceasefire deal. This handover follows the release of all 20 living hostages on Monday, marking a key milestone in the first phase of the agreement.
President Trump reinforced his demands for Hamas’s disarmament in unequivocal terms, warning that if the group does not lay down its weapons, ‘we will disarm them,’ and it could happen ‘quickly and perhaps violently.’ He stated that Hamas had provided assurances through mediators about disarming, but the group has historically rejected such conditions, creating a potential flashpoint for the next phase of negotiations. Trump’s comments came during a meeting at the White House, where he emphasized that Hamas ‘knows I’m not playing games.’
In response to the slow return of remains, Israel threatened to restrict humanitarian aid into Gaza. Officials announced that the Rafah border crossing would remain closed for aid deliveries on Wednesday, escalating pressure on Hamas to locate and return all hostage bodies promptly. An Israeli defense official warned that any delay would be considered a ‘gross violation’ of the ceasefire terms, reflecting growing frustration over Hamas’s claims of difficulty in locating bodies under Gaza’s widespread rubble.
Hamas has attributed the delays to the massive destruction in Gaza, where over 80% of buildings are damaged or destroyed, making it challenging to recover remains. The Red Cross has described the task as a ‘massive challenge,’ but Israel insists on full compliance. Meanwhile, the remains of 45 Palestinians who died in Israeli detention were returned to Gaza, with medical sources reporting signs of torture and bound hands, highlighting reciprocal humanitarian concerns in the exchange.
Despite the ceasefire, isolated violence persisted, with Israeli drone strikes killing several Palestinians in eastern Gaza and Hamas conducting public executions of alleged collaborators. These incidents underscore the fragility of the truce and the difficulties in maintaining security during the transition. Hamas fighters have reasserted control in parts of Gaza, raising fears among residents about lawlessness and score-settling, even as the group claims to be restoring order.
The second phase of Trump’s 20-point peace plan now begins, focusing on disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawals, and the establishment of a transitional governance structure for Gaza. The proposed ‘Board of Peace’ would oversee initial administration, but deep disagreements persist on key issues, such as the timeline for demilitarization and the role of the Palestinian Authority. International leaders, including those from the EU, have expressed willingness to support reconstruction, estimated at $70 billion, but political hurdles remain high.
As negotiations advance, the outcome hinges on Hamas’s willingness to disarm and Israel’s flexibility on withdrawal. The delay in returning all hostage bodies has added uncertainty, with Palestinians fearing it could derail the ceasefire. Ultimately, the success of this phase will determine whether the two-year conflict can transition to a lasting peace, but with entrenched positions on both sides, the path forward remains fraught with challenges.