Israel confirmed the return of the bodies of four abducted individuals - Guy Illouz, Capt. Daniel Peretz, Yossi Sharabi, and Joshi - to Israeli territory on October 14th, 2025, following identification by the National Forensic Medicine, Israel Police, and Military Rabbinate. The Prime Minister's Office stated the government and the nation are committed to restoring all abducted individuals for proper burial. Hamas is required to meet its obligations to mediators and return all abductees. Over the past hour, severe discourse has occurred between Israel and mediators, with Israel accusing Hamas of violating an agreement and withholding individuals it knows it can return. This led to Hamas's decision to return four more individuals, with details indicating a further four will be released tomorrow. Mediators have urged Israel not to disrupt their work with Hamas to secure more releases. Sources indicate that mediators understood Israel was considering steps such as closing the Rafah Pass to Gaza Strip transit and significantly reducing humanitarian aid. Israel has already decided to close the Rafah crossing and halt assistance, conveying to mediators that Hamas must be made to understand that Israel is serious and expects the return of all known abductees. An Israeli senior official stated that Hamas has the capability to release most abductees and Israel will insist on this. Previous reports from October 14th indicated Israel's refusal to open the Rafah crossing for aid due to Hamas's failure to return all deceased hostages' bodies. The Red Cross has cited extensive destruction in Gaza as a difficulty in recovering bodies. Egyptian construction equipment has begun massing in North Sinai, preparing for deployment into Gaza for reconstruction and debris clearance. The IDF issued an urgent warning to Gaza Strip residents against approaching IDF forces in specified dangerous areas in northern and southern Gaza, including Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, Al-Shuja'iyya, the Rafah crossing area, and the Philadelphia axis.
