Netanyahu fury as Hamas sends ‘additional’ remains of dead hostage already returned in ‘violation of ceasefire’
Israel accuses Hamas of violating ceasefire over return of hostage’s remains
- Israel has accused Hamas of breaching the fragile ceasefire agreement after receiving additional remains of hostage Ofir Tzarfati, who had already been recovered and buried in 2023.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office labelled the transfer a “clear violation” of the agreement, prompting Mr Netanyahu to hold a security assessment with defence officials.
- Mr Tzarfati's family expressed profound distress, accusing Hamas of “deception” and “manipulation” designed to jeopardise the deal and prevent the return of all hostages.
- Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said the group was complying with the ceasefire, attributing difficulties in locating all bodies to the extensive destruction across Gaza.
- The search for hostage remains has intensified in recent days, with heavy machinery now deployed in areas of the southern Gaza Strip, including Khan Younis and Nuseirat.