A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Hamas handed over what it claimed was the 16th of 28 bodies to be returned under the ceasefire that began on October 10. Israeli forensic analysis, however, confirmed that the remains belonged to Ofir Tzarfati, whose body had already been recovered from Gaza nearly two years ago.
Netanyahu’s office condemned the act as a “clear violation of the agreement” and said the prime minister would meet with security officials to determine Israel’s next steps. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum also called on the government to respond decisively, accusing Hamas of “deceiving the United States and mediators while dishonouring our loved ones.”
Far-right Israeli ministers demanded strong retaliation. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Hamas’s actions showed the group was “still standing,” adding, “It is time to break its legs once and for all.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed the sentiment, labeling Hamas’s moves as “repeated and ongoing violations” and calling for the re-arrest of all militants released under the hostage deal.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem denied the accusations, stating the group did not know the exact locations of all missing bodies due to extensive Israeli bombardment. “We are determined to hand over the bodies of the Israeli captives as soon as possible,” he said.
Hamas has already returned all 20 living hostages as outlined in the ceasefire agreement.
The October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel left 1,221 people dead, mostly civilians, and 251 taken hostage. Subsequent Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed more than 68,000 people, according to Hamas-run health ministry figures regarded as generally reliable by the UN. Despite the truce, 94 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since it began.
The family of Ofir Tzarfati confirmed that new remains believed to be his were returned to Israel on Monday night, marking the third time his body has been disturbed since his initial burial. “This is the third time we have been forced to open Ofir’s grave and rebury our son,” the family said. “The circle supposedly closed back in December 2023, but it never truly closes.”
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