Hamas Returns Bodies of Deceased Hostages Amid Ceasefire Tensions

Thu Nov 13 2025 14:18:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant development, Hamas has returned the bodies of four deceased hostages to Israel, amidst ongoing tensions and negotiations to finalize the release of all hostages and ensure a stable ceasefire.

The Israel Defense Forces announced that Hamas has returned the bodies of four deceased hostages, bringing the total to eight following a warned Israeli restriction on aid. The identification process is ongoing, with pressure mounting on both Hamas and the Israeli government regarding the remaining hostages. The situation remains precarious as both parties navigate the ceasefire agreement and face public concern over future developments.

Hamas has returned the bodies of four more deceased hostages, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reported, as identification work is currently underway. The bodies were retrieved by the Red Cross and transferred to the Israeli military late Tuesday night.

This transfer follows Israel's warning that it would restrict aid into Gaza until Hamas returned the bodies of all 28 deceased hostages. Earlier, Hamas had released 20 living and four deceased hostages, prompting renewed pressure from Israel regarding those that remain unaccounted for.

Additionally, the Red Cross announced that the remains of 45 deceased Palestinians held in Israel were also returned to Gaza on the same day.

The first group of deceased hostages returned on Monday included individuals such as Daniel Peretz, 22; and Yossi Sharabi, 53, with Israeli authorities confirming their identities. The ongoing process of identification for the latest group continues.

The United States, through President Trump's administration, has facilitated a ceasefire plan embraced by both Israel and Hamas, with expectations that the complete handover of hostages will occur promptly. However, growing concerns surround the delay in the recovery of the remaining hostages' bodies, which some fear could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire.

In remarks made by Israeli officials, any further delays in returning deceased hostages will be viewed as a violation of the agreement. Simultaneously, Hamas has claimed difficulties in locating the remains of deceased hostages.

As tensions rise over hostage returns, there are reports of sporadic violence in Gaza, further complicating the fragile atmosphere of the ceasefire.

Israeli Defense Minister has warned Hamas against any delay while calling for prompt action to ensure the agreement's fulfillment. In response, Hamas indicates challenges in returning the deceased, though international experts may soon assist in the recovery efforts.