Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his determination to pressure Hamas to return the bodies of remaining dead hostages, amid a dispute that threatens to undermine the recent ceasefire agreement. This comes as Hamas has returned only nine out of 28 deceased hostages, citing difficulties in accessing the remains due to the extensive destruction in Gaza.
Netanyahu made these comments during a memorial ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, marking the Hebrew calendar anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack. He emphasized that Israel’s fight against terrorism would continue with “full force” and vowed to secure the return of all hostages, both living and dead. The prime minister’s address underscored the ongoing tensions despite the temporary halt in hostilities, with him declaring that the “struggle is not over” and that Israel would achieve all war goals.
The ceasefire deal, brokered by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, led to the release of all 20 living hostages on Monday, in exchange for over 1,700 Palestinian detainees and 250 prisoners. However, the return of deceased hostages has been slower, with Hamas handing over nine bodies so far, including those of Inbar Hayman and Sgt Maj Muhammad al-Atarash, leaving 19 unaccounted for. This delay has fueled frustration among Israelis who expected full compliance, with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum demanding a halt to the deal’s implementation until all bodies are returned.
Hamas claims it is committed to the agreement but needs specialized equipment and more time to retrieve the remaining bodies from under the rubble. The group has provided coordinates and aerial photographs to mediators, but alleges that Israel’s restrictions on heavy machinery into Gaza are hindering their efforts. In footage broadcast on Al Jazeera, Hamas gunmen were seen guarding bulldozers digging in Khan Younis, illustrating the challenges faced in the search, with the group stating it requires “significant efforts and special equipment” to access the remains.
In response, Israel has threatened to restrict humanitarian aid into Gaza, though recent reports indicate that aid flows have continued in line with the agreement, with over 700 trucks entering on Wednesday through crossings like Kerem Shalom. The United States has downplayed the situation, stating that Hamas is acting in good faith and not violating the ceasefire, while offering intelligence and logistical support to locate the bodies. Other countries, like Turkey, have proposed sending body-retrieval specialists to assist, highlighting the international effort to stabilize the situation.
The dispute has sparked anger in Israel, with calls for increased pressure on Hamas. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has signaled willingness to see fighting resume if Hamas continues to pose a threat, though he has ruled out deploying American troops. Trump’s comments on Truth Social added to the diplomatic pressure, emphasizing that the US would “have no choice but to go in and kill” if violence persists, reflecting the fragile nature of the ceasefire and broader geopolitical stakes.
The broader context includes the devastating impact of the war, with over 67,000 Palestinians killed and widespread destruction in Gaza, where 92% of housing is damaged or destroyed. The ceasefire also involves discussions on reopening the Rafah crossing and further prisoner exchanges, but these are contingent on resolving the hostage body issue and Hamas’s disarmament. As the situation unfolds, mediators are working to prevent a collapse of the fragile agreement, with Netanyahu’s firm stance and Hamas’s logistical challenges underscoring the complexities of post-conflict negotiations in the region.