Israel Confirms Returned Gaza Remains Are Not Hostages Amid Ceasefire Delays

Hamas recently handed over the remains of three individuals to Israel, but forensic analysis confirmed these do not belong to any of the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. This development has caused frustration for Israel, which accuses Hamas of deliberately delaying the return of deceased hostages to maintain leverage and control over Gaza ahead of disarmament and reconstruction talks. The transfer was facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement that also involves the gradual return of hostages. Hamas claims it initially offered biological samples for testing, which Israel refused, demanding full remains instead. Despite the ceasefire, tensions persist with intermittent violence and accusations of violations from both sides. Jordan's foreign minister has expressed concerns that Israel's continued military presence in Gaza threatens the fragile ceasefire's stability.