Ceasefire Strains as Hamas Gradually Returns Deceased Hostages to Israel
The US has downplayed claims that Hamas is violating the ceasefire with Israel, after only nine of 28 deceased hostages have been returned so far....
The US has downplayed claims that Hamas is violating the ceasefire with Israel, after only nine of 28 deceased hostages have been returned so far. Hamas cited the extensive destruction in Gaza and the need for specialised equipment to recover the remaining bodies.
Recent Repatriations
On Wednesday, the bodies of Inbar Hayman (27) and Sgt Maj Muhammad al-Atarash (39) were handed over to Israel, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Both were killed during Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023.
Hamas’ armed wing emphasized its commitment to the deal, saying, “The remaining bodies require significant efforts and specialised equipment to search for and retrieve, and we are making a great effort to close this file.”
Meanwhile, the Hostages Families Forum welcomed the return of Hayman and al-Atarash, saying it brought “some measure of comfort to families who have lived with agonising uncertainty for over two years” and reiterated their demand for all 19 remaining hostages to be returned.
US and Israel’s Position
Two senior advisers to former President Donald Trump indicated that Hamas had acted in good faith by returning all living hostages and was cooperating to locate the deceased. The advisers also confirmed that US plans for Gaza’s demilitarisation and a transitional government continue.
Israel, however, maintains it will not compromise. Defence Minister Israel Katz instructed the IDF to prepare contingency plans in case Hamas fails to comply fully with the peace deal.
Humanitarian Concerns
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher called on Israel to open all Gaza border crossings immediately to allow aid into the enclave. He stressed that civilians should not be used as leverage, warning that withholding aid is “not a bargaining chip.”
Gaza residents report growing anxiety over the ceasefire’s stability. Prices of basic food items such as flour, sugar, and oil have surged by nearly 30% as families stockpile goods amid fears of renewed conflict, according to local resident Neven Al-Mughrabi.
Ceasefire Background
The US-brokered agreement set deadlines for the return of all 48 hostages. Hamas completed the handover of 20 living hostages on Monday, but delays in recovering the deceased remain. Israel has simultaneously returned the bodies of 90 Palestinians in exchange for the remains of Israeli hostages.
The situation highlights the fragility of the ceasefire and the humanitarian strain in Gaza, with both sides under pressure to comply with the agreement while civilians continue to face uncertainty.