US Affirms Ceasefire Amid Retrieval Challenges
The United States on October 16, 2025, publicly denied that Hamas had violated the recent ceasefire agreement with Israel, specifically regarding the delayed return of deceased hostage bodies. US officials attributed these delays to the 'difficult conditions' on the ground in Gaza, emphasizing that such challenges were anticipated within the framework of the deal.
This statement comes as tensions rise over the implementation of the US-brokered truce, which aimed to bring an end to hostilities and facilitate the exchange of captives and remains.
Terms of the Ceasefire and Hostage Status
The ceasefire agreement, spearheaded by US President Donald Trump, stipulated the return of all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased. By the deadline of October 13, 2025, Hamas had successfully released the 20 surviving hostages. However, out of an estimated 28 deceased captives, only 9 or 10 bodies (with one disputed by Israel) had been returned by October 16.
Hamas's military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, stated that it had handed over all bodies it could access and required 'specialist recovery equipment' to retrieve the remaining remains from the extensive destruction in Gaza.
Gaza's 'Pulverized' Landscape Hinders Recovery
Senior US advisers corroborated Hamas's claims regarding the operational difficulties. They highlighted that the territory had been 'pulverized,' with vast amounts of debris and unexploded weapons making the search and retrieval process exceptionally challenging. One adviser noted that 'it would have been almost impossible for Hamas to mobilize, even if they knew where all the 28 bodies were, to mobilize and get them home.'
The US is actively sharing Israeli intelligence with Hamas to aid in locating the remains, and Turkey has offered to send expert teams with experience in body retrieval to assist in the effort.
Israeli Accusations and International Mediation
Despite the US position, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, have accused Hamas of breaching the ceasefire. Katz had previously warned that 'any delay or deliberate avoidance will be considered a gross violation of the agreement and will be responded to accordingly.' Israel also reported that one of the bodies handed over by Hamas was not that of an Israeli hostage.
Regional diplomats and US officials are working to 'minimise the significance of the accusations,' emphasizing that both Hamas and Israel still appear committed to the ceasefire. Concurrently, the ceasefire agreement also mandates Israel to return Palestinian bodies. On October 16, Israel returned 30 Palestinian bodies, bringing the total to 120 since last Friday, with some reportedly showing signs of torture and execution.
6 Comments
Africa
The US is naive to believe Hamas's claims. They're just buying time.
Bermudez
Focus on the living! The fact that 20 hostages are free is a success.
Habibi
The US is trying to preserve a fragile peace, but the reports of Israeli accusations and the return of allegedly tortured Palestinian bodies show the deep distrust on both sides.
ZmeeLove
Where are the remaining bodies then? This delay is unacceptable and suspicious.
Muchacho
Hamas always finds excuses. 'Difficult conditions' is just a smokescreen for non-compliance.
lettlelenok
The US is absolutely right. Gaza is pulverized, recovery is near impossible.