The Israeli military has said that one of the bodies returned by Hamas on Tuesday is not that of a hostage. The body was handed over under the ongoing ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
Officials said forensic tests confirmed that one of the four bodies returned on Tuesday “does not match any of the hostages.” The exchange was part of a fragile truce mediated by US President Donald Trump.
So far, Hamas has released 20 living hostages and eight bodies, including one belonging to a Nepalese citizen. Israel said it is still waiting for the return of 28 deceased hostages.
“Hamas is required to make all necessary efforts to return the deceased hostages,” the Israeli military said in a statement.
Meanwhile, a hospital in Gaza confirmed it had received the remains of 45 Palestinians returned by Israel as part of the same arrangement.
Israel Seeks Full Compliance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Hamas to follow the agreement in full.
“We will not compromise on this and will not stop until every hostage is returned,” he said.
Under the ceasefire plan, all living and deceased hostages were to be handed over by Monday. If that deadline was missed, Hamas was required to share all information about those who died in captivity.
This is not the first time such confusion has occurred. Earlier this year, Hamas mistakenly returned the body of a Palestinian woman, claiming it was that of Shiri Bibas, who was kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, attack. Her body was correctly identified and returned a day later.
Ongoing Tensions Despite Ceasefire
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Kassem said on Telegram that the group was trying to fulfill its part of the ceasefire. He accused Israel of violating the agreement through shootings in eastern Gaza City and Rafah.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military was acting according to the deployment lines set by the deal. He warned that militants approaching those zones would be targeted.
Two of the hostages whose bodies were identified were to be buried on Wednesday. Families invited the public to stand along the route and pay their respects.
In past ceremonies, thousands of Israelis have gathered in silence, waving flags and lining the roads to honor the deceased.
Ceasefire’s Next Steps
The return of the last 20 living hostages was celebrated in Israel, while Palestinians welcomed the release of 2,000 prisoners. Yet, many families expressed frustration that only eight of the 28 deceased hostages have been returned so far.
Despite relief on both sides, officials say the truce remains fragile. Any misstep, including errors in body identification, could put the ceasefire agreement at risk.
