JERUSALEM, Oct 14: Israeli authorities have reportedly been becoming extremely frustrated and impatient over Hamas’ non-delivery of all the 28 bodies of the deceased, accusing the terror group of deliberately holding back on honouring its side of the bargain, and set the end of today as the deadline period for any further progress on the issue.
Mediating parties stated that Hamas operatives are facing increased troubles in locating all of the bodies, due to the rubble raised in the wake of Gaza’s destruction.
However, according to the Kan public broadcaster, Israel believes that Hamas is already holding some of the bodies, and refusing to hand them over, possibly as a source of leverage for exerting pressure on Israeli authorities, who are noted to not have enough of it.
A Kan source said that “the writing was on the wall, but only now are we discussing in any significant way the options for response.”
An Arab diplomat from a mediating country told Hebrew media agencies that mediators are working on the issue, and do not believe that the Gaza agreement is in jeopardy.
Yesterday, Hamas handed over the caskets holding what the terror group said were the remains of four of the slain hostages from Gaza. It did not comment on the fate of the 24 other dead hostages, though had stated that it does not have all of them.
The caskets were taken to the Abu Kabir forensic institute in Tel Aviv, where they underwent identification.
As per the IDF’s reps, they have notified the families of the deceased, who have been identified as: Guy Illouz, 26, Nepali national Bipin Joshi, 23, and two other hostages whose names will be published later, that their bodies were returned.
Additionally, Hamas returned two other bodies yesterday, belonging to Yossi Sharabi and IDF officer Cpt. Daniel Perez.
Israel’s leading officer on the hostages, Gal Hirsch, told the families that Jerusalem will continue to mount pressure on the terror group until it relents, and honours its commitments under the ceasefire deal.
“At this difficult time, our hearts are with the Illouz family, with the Joshi family, and with you, with all of you, the dear families. We will continue and intensify pressure on Hamas until the return of the hostages has been completed,” he said.
“The issue was discussed yesterday in the talks between the prime minister and President (Donald) Trump, and was also expressed last night in (Egyptian) President (Abdel Fattah) el-Sissi’s words,” he added.
“The issue is also being addressed with other international parties and continues in our actions (those of the negotiating team) with the mediators at this very moment. I am in constant contact with our representatives in the talks and have been updated on the details. The issue is at the centre of the agenda.”
“The mission is not complete, we are absolutely determined and committed that we will not stop until all the hostages are located and returned home,” Hirsch further remarked.(
UNI)
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