Israel Rejects Red Cross Transfer, Gaza Truce Falters

• The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has come under renewed strain after Israel rejected the transfer of three bodies delivered through the Red Cross , confirming that they were not among the hostages expected under the ongoing truce. The incident has raised doubts about the stability of the US-brokered peace arrangement and increased tensions in the region.

Misidentification of Bodies Deepens Tensions

• The Israeli military announced that forensic tests proved the three bodies handed over from Gaza were not among the 11 deceased hostages still awaited under the truce. An Israeli spokesperson said the authorities were uncertain about the identities of the individuals or why their remains were transferred, calling it a “serious breach of understanding.” The confusion has further eroded trust between both sides and disrupted the delicate framework for hostage exchanges and humanitarian relief.

Background of Exchanges and Ceasefire Terms

• The mistaken handover followed Israel’s recent return of 30 Palestinian bodies to Gaza, days after Hamas transferred the remains of two Israeli hostages , which had initially signaled progress. Since the ceasefire began on October 10, 2025 , Hamas has released 20 surviving hostages and returned 17 bodies , including those of 15 Israelis, one Thai national, and one Nepali . Israel insists that Hamas has yet to fulfill its commitment to return the remaining 11 hostages’ bodies .

Mutual Accusations of Non-Compliance

• Hamas claims that retrieving the remaining bodies is difficult due to the destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes , which have damaged burial sites and infrastructure. Israel, on the other hand, accuses Hamas of deliberately obstructing the process and exploiting the ceasefire to rebuild its military capacity. Meanwhile, Gaza’s health ministry reported that 225 Palestinian bodies have been returned by Israel since the truce began, though only 75 have been identified so far.

Renewed Violence Threatens Truce

• Tensions escalated again after Israeli airstrikes killed over 100 people in Gaza , following the death of an Israeli soldier in Rafah . Israel cited Hamas’ violations of truce terms as justification.

Exam Summary

• Ceasefire began: October 10, 2025 (US-mediated)

• Key issue: Misidentified bodies under Red Cross transfer

• Hostages released by Hamas: 20

• Bodies returned to Gaza by Israel: 225 (75 identified)

• Renewed clashes: 100+ killed in Gaza after Israeli strikes

The incident underscores the fragility of the Gaza ceasefire, with mistrust and violence threatening to unravel the limited progress achieved through months of mediation.