Hamas hands over four more bodies of Israeli hostages after Israel threatens aid cut

New Delhi,UPDATED: Oct 15, 2025 04:43 IST

Hamas handed over four bodies of deceased Israeli hostages on Tuesday after Israel threatened to reduce humanitarian aid into Gaza and US President Donald Trump warned of possible violence if the group does not disarm. Earlier, on Monday, Hamas had returned four other coffins, leaving several hostages still unaccounted for. The Red Cross confirmed receipt of Tuesday’s four bodies for delivery to Israeli authorities.

Israel restricted aid and postponed plans to open the southern border crossing with Egypt, citing Hamas’s violation of the ceasefire. Gaza continues to suffer from famine, damaged infrastructure, and limited humanitarian access.

Since the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces last week, Hamas has reasserted control over urban areas. The group has deployed fighters along aid routes, targeted collaborators and criminals, and started clearing rubble and repairing infrastructure needed for humanitarian deliveries.

Clashes between Hamas fighters and rival groups, along with ongoing Israeli airstrikes, have contributed to further casualties in the territory.

Despite the ceasefire after two years of conflict, Israeli leadership maintains the war cannot end until Hamas disarms and relinquishes control of Gaza.

Meanwhile, Gaza continues to suffer from famine, destroyed infrastructure, and delayed aid. Efforts to establish an international military presence or new governance structure for Gaza have made little progress, and Israeli leadership maintains that the conflict cannot end until Hamas disarms and relinquishes control of the enclave.

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With inputs from Reuters

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