The BRICS TimesIsrael confirmed the receipt of two deceased hostage bodies from Gaza late Saturday. The remains were transported for forensic identification in Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu increased pressure on Hamas to expedite the return of the remaining hostage remains under the ceasefire deal.
More Hostage Remains Transferred
Israel stated Hamas delivered “two coffins of deceased hostages” from Gaza late Saturday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the militant group to share the rest more quickly under the existing ceasefire agreement. No names were immediately made public. The bodies are now in Israel. They were taken to the country’s National Institute of Forensic Medicine.
Rafah Crossing Closure and Ceasefire Tensions
Israel earlier Saturday declared the Rafah crossing would remain closed “until further notice.” This decision links the crossing’s reopening to Hamas’ release of all hostage remains.
Previously, Israel had indicated the border would likely reopen on Sunday. Hamas has now transferred the remains of 12 of the 28 dead hostages in Gaza. This is a crucial step in the week-old ceasefire process meant to end two years of conflict. Hamas argues widespread destruction and Israeli military control hinder a faster handover.
Netanyahu’s office announced the Rafah closure shortly after the Palestinian embassy in Egypt said it would reopen Monday for those returning to Gaza. Hamas deemed Netanyahu’s move a violation of the ceasefire deal.
The Rafah crossing has been closed since May 2024. This happened when Israel took control of the Gaza side. A fully opened crossing would greatly ease travel for Gazans seeking medical care or visiting family in Egypt.
Grief and Exchange of Bodies
Emotional distress is high on both sides regarding the remains. Israel returns Palestinian bodies with only numbers, not names. Gaza’s Health Ministry shares their photos online. They hope families will come forward for identification. ”Just like they took their captives, we want our captives. Bring me my son, bring all our kids back,” cried Iman Sakani. Her son disappeared during the war. She was with other anxious families at Nasser hospital.
One woman knelt, sobbing after confirming a body’s identity. On Saturday, Israel returned 15 Palestinian bodies to Gaza. This brings the total returned to 135 under the ceasefire. Meanwhile, recovery efforts continued in Gaza’s ruins. New bodies found raised the Palestinian death toll above 68,000. This is according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The Red Cross says thousands more people are still missing. The Hamas-run ministry counts all casualties together. UN agencies and experts generally see their detailed records as reliable.
Israel disputes the numbers but offers no alternate toll. Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people. Most were civilians. They abducted 251 people in the October 7, 2023, attack that started the war.
Continued Push for Hostages’ Remains
Israel also confirmed the remains handed over Friday were Eliyahu Margalit. He was the 10th deceased hostage identified. The 76-year-old was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7. His remains were discovered after bulldozers cleared areas in Khan Younis.
US President Donald Trump warned of a renewed war by Israel. This would happen if Hamas fails to return all dead hostage remains. Hamas maintains its commitment to the ceasefire. However, they cite unexploded ordnance in the ruins as an obstacle to recovery.
US Warning and Ceasefire Integrity
The US State Department reported a planned Hamas attack against Gaza residents. “This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement,” the statement read. It would also “undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts.”
The guarantors “demand Hamas uphold its obligations under the ceasefire terms.” “Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza,” the statement continued.
This is to “preserve the integrity of the ceasefire” agreement. No further details were given. The Israeli organization for abducted families plans weekly Tel Aviv rallies. They will continue until everyone is returned. “We don’t want to go back to fighting… but this whole ordeal must end,” said Ifat Calderon.
Aid Flow Limitations
Hamas urged mediators to increase the aid flow into Gaza. Crossing closures and Israeli restrictions limit aid groups. “Vast parts of the city are just a wasteland,” said UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher. He visited Gaza City, where famine was declared earlier this year.
UN data showed 339 trucks were offloaded for Gaza distribution since the ceasefire. The agreement called for approximately 600 aid trucks daily.
COGAT, Israel’s defense body for Gaza aid, reported more crossings. They listed 950 trucks on Thursday and 716 on Wednesday. Israel claims sufficient food entered and accuses Hamas of theft. The UN and aid agencies deny this.
Accusations of Ceasefire Violations
Hamas again accused Israel of ongoing attacks. They assert 38 Palestinians died since the truce started. Israel offered no immediate response. It still controls about half of Gaza.
On Friday, Gaza’s Civil Defense reported nine deaths. This included women and children. Their vehicle was hit by Israeli fire in Gaza City. The car entered an Israeli-controlled area. Israel’s army said a “suspicious vehicle” approached troops. It said warning shots were fired. The vehicle continued to pose an “imminent threat.” The army claims its actions followed the ceasefire terms.
Akshay Didwaniya
Pratik Agrawal
Mayur Mohta