Hamas Returns Wrong Remains to Israel, Officials Confirm

Israeli officials say the remains handed over by Hamas on Monday night do not belong to any of the 13 hostages still missing in Gaza, deepening anger and frustration among families awaiting the return of their loved ones.

The remains, transferred by Hamas to the Red Cross in northern Gaza before being delivered to Israel, were initially believed to be those of a deceased Israeli hostage. However, forensic tests later confirmed they did not match any of the missing individuals, according to an Israeli official and a source familiar with the matter.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet later on Tuesday to discuss possible responses, which could include expanding Israel’s operational zone in Gaza or retaking the strategic Netzarim corridor. Israeli officials say any action will be coordinated with the United States.

Washington has reportedly cautioned against measures that could worsen humanitarian conditions in Gaza, such as restricting aid deliveries — a step Israel has considered in response to Hamas’ actions.

The latest development echoes a similar incident earlier in the conflict, when Hamas returned a body later identified as a Palestinian from Gaza, saying the error was due to misidentification rather than intent.

Anger continues to mount across Israel as families and supporters gather nightly at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, demanding the return of all remaining bodies. Many accuse both Hamas and the Israeli government of failing to uphold the ceasefire’s terms, which include the exchange of deceased hostages.

Efforts to recover the bodies have intensified, with Egypt sending heavy machinery into Gaza this week to assist search operations. Hamas claims it has handed over all remains it could locate and insists that further recoveries would require “special equipment and extensive efforts.”

US officials said they had received assurances from Hamas — through mediators — that the group is making every effort to find the remaining bodies. US Vice President JD Vance acknowledged the complexity of the situation, saying, “It is a focus of everybody here to get those bodies back home… but this is difficult. It’s not going to happen overnight.”

President Donald Trump has also signaled that the US may support renewed Israeli military action if Hamas fails to comply with the ceasefire deal.

Despite the truce, Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel’s “struggle is not over,” underscoring the fragile state of peace in the region.