Palestinian resistance movements on Monday handed over the remains of several Israeli captives to the Red Cross. This took place in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis. The information comes from local sources and media footage.
Israeli outlets later reported on the bodies transferred by Hamas. One of these bodies belonged to an Israeli soldier. According to Israel, this soldier had already been buried more than a year ago.
Israel Alleges Breach of Agreement
Israeli Army Radio stated that “Hamas returned to Israel tonight the remains of a kidnapped soldier. He was previously repatriated and buried.” They added that the case did not involve 13 soldiers. The remains of these soldiers are still believed to be in Gaza.
The soldier was identified as Ofir Tzarfati, whose body Israel said was recovered in December 2023.
After the reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office called the return “a clear violation of the agreement.” They announced that senior defense officials would meet to “discuss Israel’s response.”
Hamas Denies Any Breach
Hamas’s armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, confirmed on Monday night. They stated that one of the bodies recovered in Gaza belonged to an Israeli soldier.
A source cited by Al Jazeera said ongoing searches for Israeli captives were happening in Gaza City’s Al-Tuffah neighborhood. The body had been found during these searches.
The Brigades later stated that it would hand over the recovered body at 8 p.m. Gaza time, explaining that the remains were discovered near a tunnel pathway.
Hamas Reaffirms Commitment to Ceasefire Deal
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassam stated that the movement is committed to fulfilling the first stage of the ceasefire agreement. They will hand over all bodies in their possession.
“We are committed to completing the first phase of the agreement.” This is to prevent the occupation from finding excuses to continue its aggression. Qassam noted that 18 bodies had already been transferred.
He added that “limited resources and equipment” were slowing down the recovery process. This is because Gaza’s infrastructure remains devastated after months of Israeli bombardment.
“Our people have the right to bring in the necessary tools.” He stated this right is essential to recover the bodies of nearly 10,000 martyrs under the rubble. He denied Israeli claims that Hamas knows the exact locations of all remains.
Ben-Gvir Calls for Escalation
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir accused Hamas of “playing games” and urged harsher military action.
He claimed that Hamas’s actions showed the group was still operational and called on Netanyahu to “give the order” for a renewed offensive aimed at destroying Hamas completely.
Ongoing Ceasefire Violations
The first phase of the current ceasefire, brokered under U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan, began on October 10.
Despite this, the Gaza Health Ministry has documented dozens of Israeli violations, resulting in the deaths of 93 Palestinians and injuries to more than 300.
According to the Ministry’s latest figures, Israel’s ongoing military campaign since October 2023 has killed over 68,500 Palestinians and wounded more than 170,000
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