Hamas returns two more bodies but says it cannot retrieve remaining dead hostages
Key Takeaways
- Hamas returned the bodies of two more Israeli hostages under the US-brokered ceasefire deal.
- Hamas claims specialized equipment is needed to recover the remaining deceased hostages from the ruins in Gaza.
- Israel confirmed receipt of the bodies via the Red Cross and is awaiting official identification before confirming the total number unaccounted for.
- US President Trump warned that Israel could resume fighting if Hamas does not uphold the agreement's terms.
- Gaza residents are experiencing food price surges and anxiety over the ceasefire's potential collapse, leading some to avoid returning to safer areas.
Hamas has delivered the bodies of two additional Israeli hostages to the Red Cross under the terms of the US-brokered ceasefire, but claims that recovering the remaining deceased from the rubble in Gaza requires specialized equipment and considerable effort. Israel confirmed receiving the coffins and is proceeding with official identification, noting that if these two are confirmed, 19 hostages remain unaccounted for, short of the 28 required in the initial phase of the peace plan. US President Donald Trump has issued a warning that Israeli forces could resume military action if Hamas does not fully comply with the terms. In response, Israel's defense minister has instructed the IDF to prepare for a comprehensive plan to defeat Hamas should the ceasefire fail, emphasizing that the mission of hostage return is not complete. Humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher simultaneously urged Israel to open all crossings for aid and pressed Hamas to make strenuous efforts to return all bodies. Amidst the ongoing tensions, Gaza residents express deep concern over the ceasefire's durability, exacerbated by local traders hoarding food, causing prices to surge due to fears of renewed conflict.
