The Israeli government stated on October 16th, 2025, that Hamas is still holding the bodies of 21 hostages in Gaza, which it described as a violation of a ceasefire agreement. This declaration comes after Israel reportedly withdrew troops, with the expectation that Hamas would release all hostages. An Israeli government spokesperson confirmed this morning that Hamas continues to detain the bodies of 21 individuals abducted from Israel. The spokesperson noted that this action contravenes a ceasefire agreement, which stipulated the release of "ALL THE HOSTAGES" in exchange for Israeli troop withdrawal. The agreement, as quoted, aimed for "All Parties will be treated fairly!" and promised "a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace." This development follows the IDF's confirmation on October 15th, 2025, that Hamas returned the bodies of two Israelis, Inbar Haiman and Senior Sergeant Major Muhammad el-Atrash, who were abducted on October 7th, 2023. Identification procedures for Haiman and el-Atrash were completed by the National Center for Forensic Medicine. Haiman was killed at the Nova music festival, and el-Atrash died in battle on October 7th, 2023. Their deaths were officially declared in December 2023 and June 2024, respectively.
