Due to Hamas' violation, Israel decides not to open Rafah crossing tomorrow, suspends aid

Israel decided on Tuesday not to open the Rafah crossing the following day as a sanction against Hamas because it did not hand over all the hostages’ bodies in its possession. In addition, humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip will also not be transferred.

Contrary to the agreement, Hamas yesterday returned only four bodies of hostages out of 28. Kan News has learned that Egypt informed Israel of its intention to assemble a team with Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish representatives who will enter the Gaza Strip to find solutions with Hamas regarding the return of the bodies. The team is not part of the international mechanism defined in the agreement between Israel and Hamas, and will be established to resolve the issue quickly.

Earlier today, the defense establishment recommended that the political echelon not open the Rafah crossing nor transfer all humanitarian aid to Gaza until the bodies are handed over.

In Kan News’ broadcast last night, it was reported that Hamas is holding the bodies of hostages that have not been delivered to Israel, in violation of the agreement. So far, no handover of hostage bodies to Israel has been coordinated by the Red Cross, even though Israel is expected to transfer the bodies of terrorist prisoners to Hamas. However, the number of bodies to be transferred is currently lower than planned.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said the measures, including restrictions on humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of the Strip, are “completely contrary to the agreement” and called on mediators to intervene in the matter.

According to Qassem, “Handing over the bodies requires more time and there are obvious difficulties. The mediators understood these difficulties, which were created by Israeli aggression.” The Hamas spokesman added that the group “is making every effort to implement the terms of the agreement.”

Earlier today, the IDF spokesperson announced that Guy Illouz, Bipin Joshi, and two other deceased hostages – whose families have not yet permitted publication of their names – were identified at the Institute of Forensic Medicine after being returned to Israel yesterday.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy to the region, Steve Witkoff, asking him “to ensure that all the hostages are brought home.”

“We are full of gratitude and immense joy to see twenty of our loved ones finally returning home and reuniting with their families, who have fought tirelessly for them for so long. However, what we feared is now unfolding before our eyes: only four murdered hostages are returning today. Only four families will be able to bury their loved ones with the dignity they deserve and begin to find some closure. How can this be? How can we accept that the others remain behind?” the letter read.

“We know that you, too, will not rest until the last hostage is brought back. We ask you to do everything possible –to spare no effort – to demand that Hamas fulfill its commitment and return all remaining hostages home.”

Despite the agreements, 24 deceased hostages remain held by Hamas

Gal Hirsch, Israel’s coordinator for the Captives and Missing in the Prime Minister’s Office, told the hostages’ families, “We will intensify pressure on Hamas to continue and complete the return of the bodies. The issue was discussed yesterday in the prime minister’s talks with President Trump, who expressed himself on the matter, as well as in the remarks of President el-Sisi last night.”

He added, “The issue is also being handled with other international entities and continues through our (negotiation team’s) actions with the mediators even at this very hour. The mission is not complete; we are determined and fully committed. We will not stop acting until all the deceased hostages are located and brought home.”

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum stated, “Alongside the sorrow and understanding that the heart will never be whole, the return of Guy and Bipin, of blessed memory, along with two other deceased hostages, brings some relief to families who have lived with agonizing uncertainty and doubt for more than two years. We will not rest or stop until all 24 deceased hostages and the female hostage are returned.”