The United States State Department announced on October 18th, 2025, at approximately 10:00 PM UTC, that reliable reports indicate Hamas intends to violate the Gaza ceasefire against Palestinian civilians, a move described as a direct and serious violation of the agreement. Concurrently, two coffins of "empty abductees" escorted by IDF forces crossed into Israel and are en route to the National Center for Forensic Medicine for identification, according to an IDF announcement at approximately 9:45 PM UTC. The US State Department stated that if Hamas proceeds with the planned action, steps will be taken to protect Gaza's residents and preserve the ceasefire's integrity, emphasizing that the US and other Arab countries are committed to ensuring citizen safety and promoting regional peace. The IDF also requested sensitivity from the public and adherence to official identification procedures for the families of the abducted victims. This warning comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that the Gaza war will officially conclude upon the return of all hostage bodies and the disarmament and demilitarization of Hamas. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are reportedly conditioning their financial support for Gaza's reconstruction on the disarmament of Hamas.
