Israel weighs its next move after remains handed over by Hamas
Israel said the latest handover of human remains by Hamas does not belong to any of the missing hostages it is actively seeking. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the body in question belonged to Ofir Tzarfati, a civilian killed during Hamas’ assault on 7 October 2023, whose remains had already been recovered by Israeli forces earlier in the war. Netanyahu signalled that Israel would respond to what it views as a violation of the Gaza ceasefire once he had consulted with defence chiefs.
The difference between the remains handed over and those of the 13 hostages still missing has intensified discussions about the durability of the ceasefire and what constitutes compliance by the militant group. Hamas has asserted that it is doing its best to locate and transfer all hostage remains, but said the process is hampered by limited equipment for identifying bodies amid the scale of destruction in Gaza.
Netanyahu said the transfer yesterday did not pertain to any of the hostages still unaccounted for in Israeli custody and indicated that his next steps would be guided by conversations with senior defence officials. He also noted that “the next steps” would require coordinating with security partners and, potentially, allies who brokered the ceasefire, namely the United States.
Hamas’ position and the ceasefire framework
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem conceded that locating all the bodies is challenging given Gaza’s devastated conditions but stressed that the group will continue its efforts to deliver remains and resolve the issue as soon as possible. The ceasefire agreement that paused two years of war included a provision for Hamas to hand over all dead hostages’ remains as they are found, while Israel withdrew troops and halted its offensive operations.
In the broader strategic frame, the U.S. role remains pivotal. A senior Israeli official underscored that any response would likely require Washington’s green light. The dynamics of the ceasefire, brokered with U.S. involvement, are delicate, and both sides are navigating a path that avoids the resumption of large-scale fighting while addressing humanitarian and security concerns.
Domestic voices and regional security considerations
Within Israel, commentary from security ministers and financial leaders has pressed for a tough response if Hamas is found to be flouting the ceasefire terms. Defense Minister Israel Katz has said that operations against Hamas tunnels would continue, emphasizing that a significant portion of tunnels remain intact and could pose ongoing threats. The political leadership has thus signaled readiness to act, while carefully calibrating steps with international partners.
Separately, Israeli forces continued operations elsewhere in the occupied West Bank, including clashes near the Jenin refugee camp. Reports indicated arrests and exchanges of fire as security forces pursued militants believed to be planning attacks. The West Bank activity underscores the broader security challenge facing Israel beyond Gaza’s front lines.
Ongoing search and humanitarian toll
Behind the political and military calculations is a humanitarian tragedy that touches thousands of families. Gaza health authorities have tallied tens of thousands of casualties from the conflict, with thousands more missing. The search for remains has involved heavy machinery moving through areas like Khan Younis and Nuseirat, as rescuers comb rubble for bodies believed to be buried in or beneath destroyed structures and tunnels.
As the region holds its breath for further developments, the question remains how to reconcile political aims with humanitarian needs. For Israel, the fate of the missing and the emotional closure sought by families remain central anxieties. For Hamas, the test is whether it can convincingly move toward resolution of the remains issue while managing international scrutiny and internal pressures.
What comes next
Netanyahu has indicated he will convene defence chiefs to determine Israel’s next steps, a decision that could involve calibrated measures designed to deter Hamas while avoiding a full-scale resumption of hostilities. The precise actions will hinge on the continued flow of information from Gaza, the pace of remnant identifications, and the level of international support or pressure, particularly from the United States.
