Israel: One Body Returned by Hamas Not a Former Hostage

Jerusalem, AFP– The Israeli military announced on Wednesday that one of the bodies handed over by Hamas as part of the prisoner exchange does not belong to a former hostage.Following overnight forensic tests on four bodies returned on Tuesday, Israeli medical officials concluded that one “does not match any of the hostages.” The military emphasized that Hamas is required to make all necessary efforts to return the remains of deceased hostages.
Since Monday, under a ceasefire agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump, Hamas has released 20 surviving Israeli hostages and handed over eight bodies – including one Nepalese, six Israelis, and one unidentified individual.

Meanwhile, a Gaza hospital reported receiving the remains of 45 Palestinians returned by Israel.

The revelation that one set of remains does not match Israel’s 28-name list of deceased former hostages is expected to intensify domestic pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to consider stricter control over aid access to Gaza.
Israel is reportedly ready to reopen the Rafah border crossing to Egypt, though far-right ministers like National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir have called for cutting aid if Hamas fails to return the remaining deceased soldiers. Of the Israeli bodies returned so far, two have been confirmed as soldiers.