Israeli sources say the remains handed over by Hamas to Israel on Monday night do not belong to any of the missing deceased hostages. Forensic examination confirmed they are not among the 13 unaccounted-for hostages in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to discuss Israel's potential response.
Israeli authorities received a coffin containing the remains of a deceased hostage from Gaza on Monday, but Israeli sources told CNN that forensic examination revealed they do not belong to any of the 13 unaccounted-for hostages. Hamas transferred the remains to the Red Cross in northern Gaza before they were handed over to Israel, and the public was asked to refrain from speculating on the identity until the family is notified.
In a previous exchange, one body turned out to be that of a Palestinian from Gaza, with Hamas claiming it was a misidentification rather than intentional. Anger in Israel has intensified over delays in returning hostage bodies as per the ceasefire deal, with frequent demonstrations at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square. This week, heavy machinery from Egypt entered Gaza to aid in the search for the bodies.
Hamas has stated it handed over all accessible remains and that retrieving more requires extensive efforts and special equipment. Israeli intelligence assesses that Hamas may not be able to locate and return all remaining dead hostages, though Israel believes the group knows the locations of some. Two senior US advisers said the US received assurances from Hamas through third-party mediators that they would do everything possible to find and return the bodies.
US Vice President JD Vance said at a press conference in Israel: “It is a focus of everybody here to get those bodies back home to their families, so that they can have a proper burial. Now, that said, this is difficult. This is not going to happen overnight.” President Donald Trump stated he would consider allowing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resume military action in Gaza if Hamas fails to uphold the ceasefire, which has largely held despite tensions.
Netanyahu is expected to discuss response options on Tuesday, including expanding the so-called yellow line, reoccupying territory, or retaking the Netzarim corridor, coordinated with the United States, which opposes restricting humanitarian aid. In Gaza, scores of Palestinians have returned to the ruins of their homes after two years of war, with thousands believed buried under rubble, as Hamas reasserts control over areas vacated by Israeli forces.