Netanyahu Vows to Pressure Hamas to Return Bodies of Dead Hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to increase pressure on Hamas to return the bodies of Israeli hostages killed during the October 7, 2023, attacks. Speaking at a memorial ceremony in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said Israel would continue to fight terrorism “with full force” and ensure that “evil does not rise again.”

Tensions Over Ceasefire Deal

Hamas recently returned the bodies of two hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross but said it was unable to recover the remaining 19. The delay has sparked outrage in Israel, with critics accusing Hamas of violating the ceasefire deal.
 However, the United States stated that it does not consider the delay a breach of the agreement and acknowledged that Hamas has been cooperating with mediators.

Mutual Accusations

Hamas accused Israel of obstructing search operations by preventing heavy machinery from entering Gaza, which it says is needed to retrieve bodies from destroyed areas. Israel, in response, threatened to limit humanitarian aid entering Gaza until all the bodies are returned.

Regional Impact

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged the Israeli government to suspend the ceasefire deal until all the remains are recovered. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that fighting could resume if Hamas continues violence inside Gaza, though he reiterated that American soldiers would not be deployed.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 67,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its military campaign following the 2023 Hamas attack. The United Nations considers these figures credible.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/germany-regards-executions-by-hamas-acts-terror-2025-10-15