Israel has reacted angrily to news that the human remains authorities recently received from Hamas were not those of a further person taken hostage by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, but rather, they belonged to the dead body of another hostage that Israeli forces had already recovered some two years ago.
Prime Minister ‘s office called the incident a “clear violation of the [ceasefire] agreement.”
Netanyahu said Tuesday that he will “hold a security discussion with the heads of the security establishment to discuss Israel’s steps in response.”
Among Israel’s possible responses are the denial of humanitarian aid deliveries, expanded control over Gaza or targeting Hamas leadership with airstrikes.
The ceasefire agreement obliges Hamas to return the human remains of all 13 hostages in its control as soon as possible.
Hamas insists the problem is that hostage bodies are buried under tons of rubble, making them hard to find. Israel says the militant Muslims are simply dragging their feet.
The group Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged the Israeli government to take action, saying, “In light of Hamas’s severe breach of the agreement last night … the Israeli government cannot and must not ignore this, and must act decisively against these violations.
“Hamas knows the location of the hostages and continues to act with contempt, deceiving the United States and mediators while dishonoring our loved ones.”
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