Hamas announced today that it had complied with the terms of the Trump deal, handing over all living hostages and the bodies it was able to deliver. An Israeli official contradicted that account, saying Hamas is aware of the locations of additional deceased hostages but is citing logistical difficulties.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump warned that if Hamas violates the deal, the IDF will be able to resume fighting in Gaza the moment he gives the word.
The International Committee of the Red Cross, acting as a neutral intermediary between the parties, assisted today at the request of both sides in returning deceased hostages to Israeli authorities.
In a meeting held today with the IDF chief of staff and senior military leadership about the IDF's preparations in Gaza, Defense Minister Katz instructed the IDF to draw up a plan for the full defeat of Hamas in Gaza if the terrorist organization refuses to implement President Trump's plan and fighting needs to be renewed.
Under President Trump's plan, Hamas is required to return all hostages and the remains of those in its custody and to disarm. Israel, together with an international force led by the US, would work to destroy all tunnels and terrorist infrastructure in Gaza to ensure the Gaza Strip is demilitarised and poses no threat to the State of Israel.
