Israeli Anger Mounts Over Hamas Delay In Returning Bodies

Israeli Anger Mounts Over Hamas Delay In Returning Bodies

El-Remel Gaza City following an Isaeli air strik

TEL AVIV — Anger is mounting in Israel after Hamas failed to deliver the bodies of most deceased hostages as required under the U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire. While 20 living captives were freed Monday, only eight of the 28 confirmed dead have been returned, sparking fury among grieving families and lawmakers.

During a celebratory session in the Knesset, Speaker Amir Ohana removed his yellow hostage ribbon, symbolizing closure. His gesture — meant as thanks to President Donald Trump for securing the ceasefire — instead triggered outrage from relatives of those still missing. “It was disrespectful,” said Ruby Chen, whose son Itay was among those confirmed dead. “They’re acting like it’s over. It’s not.”  

Under the ceasefire terms, Hamas was to release all hostages, alive and deceased, by noon Monday. But only four bodies — Guy Illouz, Yossi Sharabi, Bipin Joshi, and Daniel Peretz — were initially returned. Four more, including Uriel Baruch, Tamir Nimrodi, and Eitan Levi, followed more than 24 hours later.

Israeli intelligence officials say Hamas may not be able to locate all the bodies after two years of bombardment have reduced much of Gaza to rubble. An estimated 10,000 Palestinians remain buried beneath the ruins. The Israeli military now plans to coordinate with an international taskforce, established under the ceasefire deal, to recover any remaining remains — though details remain unclear.

For many families, however, the government’s celebrations feel premature. Public pressure is building on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure every hostage — living or dead — is brought home.

Key Takeaways

• Only eight of 28 deceased hostages have been returned by Hamas.

• Families accuse Israeli leaders of prematurely declaring victory.

• Israel and an international taskforce will work to recover remaining bodies.

Source: CNN