Hamas has returned the bodies of four more hostages to Israel, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed on Tuesday night, as both sides struggle to uphold the fragile ceasefire deal brokered by the United States. The Red Cross facilitated the handover, transporting the coffins and transferring them to Israeli officials for identification.
The return comes just a day after Hamas released 20 living hostages and four bodies, following Israel’s warning that humanitarian aid to Gaza would be restricted until all 28 deceased hostages were recovered. Israeli authorities have since slowed aid deliveries and postponed reopening the Rafah crossing with Egypt, citing Hamas’s failure to meet all its obligations.
According to the Red Cross, Gaza also received the remains of 45 Palestinians who had died while in Israeli detention. The first four hostages identified earlier were Daniel Peretz, 22; Yossi Sharabi, 53; Guy Illouz, 26; and Bipin Joshi, 23, a Nepalese national.
The developments are part of a ceasefire plan put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump, which both Israel and Hamas agreed to earlier this week. The plan required the return of all 48 hostages by Monday noon, alongside the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. However, with 20 bodies still in Hamas custody, concerns are rising over the future of the truce.
Israel’s defence minister warned that any delay or avoidance in returning the remaining hostages would be treated as a “gross violation” of the agreement and met with firm action. Hamas, on its part, said the process of locating all the deceased hostages has been challenging.
Tayseer Abed, a Gaza-based writer, described the delay as “a dangerous test for the ceasefire,” cautioning that renewed violence could erupt if the dead are not returned soon.
Despite the truce, violence continues to flare. Palestinian Civil Defence reported seven deaths on Tuesday from Israeli strikes in eastern Gaza and near Khan Younis. In Shejaiya, an Israeli drone strike killed five people whom the military claimed had crossed the “yellow line” set under ceasefire terms.
The ceasefire, signed on Monday with the involvement of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, envisions Gaza being temporarily governed by Palestinian technocrats under a “Board of Peace” before control transitions to the Palestinian Authority. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he remains hopeful but insisted that demilitarisation is essential, saying Hamas must “give up its arms” and end weapons smuggling into Gaza.
With both sides accusing each other of stalling, the coming days will determine whether the ceasefire holds or collapses under growing mistrust.
News
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga Dies at Age 80 in India
Former Kenyan Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80 while receiving treatment in India.
Man Accused of Killing GSU Officer at State House Detained for 14 Days
A Nairobi court has ordered the detention of Kimunye Musyimi, the man accused of killing a General Service Unit (GSU) officer outside State House, for 14 days to allow police to complete investigations into the fatal attack.
Venezuela Closes Embassy in Norway After Machado’s Nobel Win
Venezuela has shut down its embassy in Norway just days after opposition leader María Corina Machado received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, a move that has stirred fresh debate over Caracas’s tense relations with Europe.
Teaching Stops as Nigerian University Lecturers Begin Two-Week Strike
Teaching has been suspended in public universities across Nigeria after lecturers began a two-week strike to demand better pay and improved funding for higher education.
Russia Orders 770,000 Migrants to Leave Amid Crackdown
Russia has ordered about 770,000 migrants, mostly from Central Asia, to leave the country following the expiry of their stay permits in September.
Four Killed, 20 Injured in South Carolina Bar Shooting
A mass shooting at a popular bar in South Carolina left four people dead and at least 20 others injured early Sunday morning, authorities said.
Madagascar President Says Attempted Coup Underway Amid Deadly Unrest
An attempted coup is underway in Madagascar, President Andry Rajoelina announced on Sunday, following weeks of violent protests and growing tensions between the government and demonstrators.
Qantas Confirms Major Data Breach Affecting Millions of Customers
Australian airline Qantas has confirmed that personal data belonging to millions of its customers has been leaked online following a major cybersecurity breach.
Illegal US-Mexico Crossings Drop to Lowest Level Since 1970
Illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border have fallen to their lowest level in more than 50 years, according to new federal data obtained by CBS News.
"Union Urges Air Traffic Controllers to Work Through Shutdown"
The union representing U.S. air traffic controllers has urged its members to continue working through the ongoing government shutdown, now in its second week, even as some staffers call in sick and frustration grows over unpaid labor.
Judge Blocks Trump’s Plan to Deploy National Guard to Oregon
A federal judge has temporarily halted former President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, in response to ongoing protests.
Telefónica to Cut 6,000 Jobs as Latin America Exit Deepens
Spanish telecommunications giant Telefónica SA is preparing to launch a large-scale redundancy plan that could see more than 6,000 workers laid off by the end of the year.
ICC Convicts Darfur Militia Leader of 27 War Crimes
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has convicted former Darfur militia leader Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, of 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity for atrocities committed in Sudan’s Darfur region between 2003 and 2004.
Police Recover 17 Stolen Goats in Marsabit Raid
A coordinated security operation in Marsabit County has led to the recovery of 17 stolen goats and the arrest of one suspect, marking a significant step in tackling livestock theft in northern Kenya.
Egypt Reopens Amenhotep III’s Tomb After 20-Year Restoration
After more than two decades of careful restoration, Egypt has reopened the tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep III in the Valley of the Kings, giving visitors a rare chance to see one of the most magnificent burial sites of ancient Egypt.