Hostage Remains Returned Amid Ceasefire Tensions
Late Saturday, Israel reported that Hamas transferred “two coffins of deceased hostages” from Gaza, escalating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demands for a swift release of all remaining bodies as part of the ceasefire agreement. The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed, with the bodies now at Israel’s National Institute of Forensic Medicine.
Israel had previously stated that the Rafah crossing, Gaza’s only gateway to the external world, would remain shut “until further notice” unless Hamas expedited the handover of remains. This announcement followed a prior indication that the crossing might reopen by Sunday. The crossing’s closure has been in effect since May 2024, when Israel assumed control of its Gaza side, affecting the movement of Gazans seeking medical care and family reunions in Egypt.
So far, Hamas has handed over 12 of the 28 hostages killed in Gaza, in a move towards the ceasefire’s objective of concluding a two-year conflict. Hamas attributes the delay in transferring remains to the destruction and Israeli military presence in certain Gaza areas.
Controversy Surrounding Rafah Crossing Closure
Netanyahu’s office communicated its decision on the Rafah crossing closure soon after the Palestinian embassy in Egypt intimated that the crossing would open on Monday for Gazans returning home. Hamas has criticized this decision as a breach of the ceasefire terms.
As the ceasefire continues, Israel continues to return Palestinian bodies, identified by numbers rather than names, prompting Gaza’s Health Ministry to circulate images online to assist families in identifying their loved ones. Iman Sakani, whose son disappeared in the conflict, expressed her anguish, saying, “Just like they took their captives, we want our captives. Bring me my son, bring all our kids back.”
Ongoing Search and Humanitarian Challenges
Amidst the tense situation, Gaza remains a site of persistent devastation, with the Palestinian death toll surpassing 68,000, according to the Health Ministry. This figure includes both civilians and combatants, though the exact breakdown remains undisclosed. Meanwhile, Israel disputes these numbers without offering alternative figures.
Efforts to recover bodies continue amidst the wreckage, with newly discovered remains pushing casualty numbers higher. As part of the ceasefire agreement, Israel has returned 15 Palestinian bodies, bringing the total to 135.
International Involvement and Future Implications
The situation remains volatile, with U.S. President Donald Trump warning of potential military actions if Hamas fails to return all hostage remains. The U.S. State Department has also cited credible threats of an imminent Hamas attack against Palestinians, which would violate the ceasefire.
Hamas maintains its commitment to the ceasefire but notes that unexploded ordnance and extensive destruction complicate the retrieval of remains. Despite these challenges, international efforts to mediate and maintain the ceasefire continue, with the U.S. emphasizing the need for Hamas to adhere to the terms.
The ongoing conflict has spurred advocacy and protests, with families of abductees holding regular demonstrations in Tel Aviv, demanding the return of all hostages. Ifat Calderon, aunt to a freed hostage, remarked, “We don’t want to go back to fighting, God forbid, but this whole ordeal must end, and all the hostages must be returned.”
Humanitarian Aid and Accusations
Hamas has urged mediators to enhance aid flow into Gaza, as restrictions and border closures persist. U.N. figures indicate that 339 trucks have delivered supplies since the ceasefire began, though the agreement stipulates 600 trucks daily.
COGAT, Israel’s defense body managing aid in Gaza, reported 950 trucks, including commercial and bilateral deliveries, crossed on Thursday, with 716 on Wednesday. Israel claims sufficient provisions have been allowed in, accusing Hamas of misappropriating them, allegations the U.N. and aid groups refute.
Hamas has accused Israel of ongoing attacks, claiming 38 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire began. Recent incidents include nine fatalities in Gaza City when a vehicle was reportedly targeted by Israeli forces. Israel contends it acted according to the ceasefire upon perceiving the vehicle as a threat.
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