Why returning hostage bodies matters and endangers Gaza–Israel truce

Grief testing a fragile truce

The slow and painful process of recovering the bodies of hostages killed in Gaza has emerged as one of the most emotionally charged and politically sensitive issues in the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. What began as a moment of hope for grieving families has now become a potential flashpoint that could derail the U.S.-brokered truce.

A fragile ceasefire under strain

Earlier this week, Hamas handed over what it said was the body of another hostage. For 13 Israeli families still waiting for the return of their loved ones’ remains, the news offered a glimmer of relief. But Israeli officials soon clarified that the militants had released only partial remains of a hostage recovered nearly two years ago — reopening deep wounds and intensifying frustration among the families.

The exchange of bodies is a key clause of the ceasefire deal that began on 10 October, under which Hamas agreed to return the remains of hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. So far, Hamas has handed over 15 bodies and 20 living hostages, while Israel has released 195 Palestinian bodies and nearly 2,000 prisoners. But delays and disputes over identification are now testing both sides’ patience.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered new strikes in southern Gaza after the latest transfer, accusing Hamas of stalling and firing on Israeli troops. In response, Hamas said it would delay further handovers, claiming that some remains are still trapped under rubble after two years of Israeli bombardment.

Why the return of remains matters so deeply

For many Israelis, the retrieval of bodies holds profound religious, cultural, and national significance. Judaism calls for immediate burial — a practice rooted in Deuteronomy — and the idea of leaving a body behind is seen as deeply dishonourable. Israel has a long tradition of repatriating even long-lost soldiers, from legendary spy Eli Cohen, executed in 1965, to aviator Ron Arad, missing since 1986.

“The idea of respecting the dead is intrinsic to the Jewish life cycle,” said Sharon Laufer, a member of a Jewish burial society and a reserve soldier in an identification unit. “Until the body is put in the ground, the soul is not complete.”

The anguish of waiting is echoed in Gaza, where Palestinian families are also struggling to identify bodies returned by Israel. Under the ceasefire, Israel is supposed to return 15 Palestinian bodies for each Israeli, but the bodies arrive unlabelled, and Gaza officials say DNA testing materials are not allowed in. Only 75 of the 195 bodies received have been identified, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

A truce tested by grief

For hostage families, the return of remains offers a painful form of closure. Orna Neutra, the mother of Israeli-American soldier Omer Neutra, said, “You crave this closure. But we know that it’s going to trigger grief that’s been held back for two years.”

Psychologists working with the Hostages Families Forum describe this as “disrupted bereavement” — grief suspended between hope and loss. “Some came back recently with clothing. Some were only bones,” said Dr Einat Yehene, the forum’s rehabilitation head. “Being close to the bodies provides a sense of concreteness and a chance to say goodbye.”

Yet, each delay or dispute risks reigniting conflict. Israel insists it will not extend the truce unless all remains are returned, while Hamas accuses Israel of politicising the process.

For both Israelis and Palestinians, the struggle over the dead has become a tragic symbol of the living conflict — a reminder that even in moments of pause, the wounds of war remain painfully unhealed.

(With inputs from AP)