Hamas Returns Bodies of Deceased Hostages Amid Ceasefire Tensions

Wed Nov 19 2025 10:16:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent development, Hamas has returned the remains of four deceased hostages to Israel, prompting mixed reactions regarding the ongoing ceasefire negotiations. The Red Cross facilitated the transfer, which highlights the continuing complexities of hostages and humanitarian aid in the region.

Hamas has returned the bodies of four more deceased hostages to Israel, as the Red Cross facilitated their handover amidst an ongoing ceasefire agreement. This follows Israel's warning of restricted aid to Gaza until all deceased hostages are repatriated. The return of the bodies coincides with rising tensions over Hamas' compliance with the ceasefire terms, further complicating the peace negotiations.

Hamas has returned the bodies of four more deceased hostages, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has stated, with identification work currently ongoing.

The Red Cross retrieved the remains in coffins and handed them over to the Israeli military late on Tuesday night.

This transfer occurred against the backdrop of Israel's warning that it would restrict aid into Gaza until Hamas returned the bodies of all 28 deceased hostages. Previously, Hamas had returned 20 living hostages and four deceased ones on Monday.

On the same day, the Red Cross reported that the remains of 45 deceased Palestinians held in Israel were also returned to Gaza.

Among those released by Hamas on Monday were Daniel Peretz (22), Yossi Sharabi (53), Guy Illouz (26), and Bipin Joshi (23), a national from Nepal.

The ongoing identification process for the latest four deceased hostages continues, according to the IDF. A ceasefire plan, which both Israel and Hamas had initially accepted, envisioned the complete return of all 48 hostages by noon on Monday. However, pressure is mounting on Hamas and the Israeli government regarding the remains of 20 hostages that have yet to be returned.

Comments from Israeli officials indicate that restrictions on aid and plans to open the Rafah border crossing with Egypt have been delayed due to Hamas' failure to comply with the ceasefire agreement.

In a statement, the IDF emphasized that Hamas is obliged to meet its commitments, adding that any delays will be viewed as significant violations of the agreement, with potential consequences. Hamas, however, has claimed difficulties in locating the remains of the deceased hostages.

The ongoing situation casts a shadow over the ceasefire's stability, as worries grow about the potential ramifications upon failure to return all bodies, which could ignite further conflict. Palestinian fears reflect a growing apprehension over the fragile peace process and the likelihood of renewed violence.

The events continue to unfold as international efforts remain focused on a lasting resolution to the ongoing hostilities in the region.