Hamas hands over hostage bodies after Israel threatens aid cut | Reuters
Hamas Hands Over Hostage Bodies as Israel Threatens Aid Cuts Amid Fragile Gaza Truce
In a tense new chapter of the Gaza conflict, Hamas has handed over the bodies of several deceased Israeli hostages, offering a glimmer of progress after weeks of uncertainty. The transfer came just hours after Israel announced plans to cut humanitarian aid to Gaza in half — a move meant to pressure Hamas for allegedly breaching the ceasefire agreement.
The exchange occurred late Tuesday, with four coffins delivered by the Red Cross to Israeli officials at a northern Gaza checkpoint. Israeli forces then escorted the remains across the border for forensic identification. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), these were part of the 28 hostages confirmed dead during the long conflict that began in October 2023.
Tensions Rise Despite Ceasefire
While this handover represents a partial fulfillment of the ongoing truce deal, Israel remains skeptical. Officials have stated that aid deliveries will remain restricted until Hamas complies fully with the agreement — particularly regarding the return of all hostage remains.
Gaza, meanwhile, is enduring a severe humanitarian crisis. Famine has affected more than half a million Palestinians, and with only half the usual 600 aid trucks entering daily, the pressure is mounting. Plans to open the southern Rafah border crossing to Egypt for medical evacuations are also on hold.
Hamas Reasserts Control in Gaza
As Israeli troops withdrew from parts of Gaza last week, Hamas quickly redeployed hundreds of armed fighters to reestablish control. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the group executing several men accused of collaborating with Israel — a chilling reminder of how fragile the situation remains.
Videos circulating online showed militants forcing men to kneel in a Gaza City square before executing them. Hamas later confirmed these were “traitors” and “collaborators,” underscoring the militant group’s intent to maintain dominance.
Trump’s Hardline Warning
Adding to the tension, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas: disarm or face possible military intervention. Speaking at the White House, he warned, “If they don’t disarm, we will disarm them — and it will happen quickly, and perhaps violently.”
This warning came just a day after Trump addressed Israel’s Knesset, hailing what he called “the historic dawn of a new Middle East” — though the optimism now seems short-lived.
Two Years of Destruction and Desperation
The war, triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has devastated Gaza. More than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health officials, while Israel still mourns the loss of 1,200 citizens. Thousands more are missing, feared buried beneath the rubble.
Even amid the fragile ceasefire, sporadic clashes continue. Israeli drones and airstrikes have reportedly killed several Palestinians, while Hamas accuses Israel of violating truce lines.
What’s Next for Gaza and Israel?
With hostages still unaccounted for and Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsening, the fragile truce remains at risk. Both sides appear unwilling to fully trust each other, and Trump’s latest remarks only add to the volatility.
For now, the return of the bodies offers some closure — but peace remains as elusive as ever.
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