Israel and Hamas Trade Blame Over Truce Violations Amid Delays in Returning Hostage Bodies

Post by : Saif Ali Khan

The fragile truce between Israel and Hamas is facing new challenges, as both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire. The dispute over the return of bodies of hostages and dead fighters threatens to weaken the U.S.-mediated agreement and risks sparking renewed violence in the densely populated Gaza Strip.

Gaza Border and Hostage Issue

Israel announced preparations to reopen the Rafah border crossing with Egypt to allow Palestinians to travel in and out of Gaza. However, no date has been set, and the crossing will not allow humanitarian aid, which will continue to enter Gaza through the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing.

The return of bodies of deceased Israeli hostages remains a major sticking point. Hamas has handed over 10 bodies, but Israel says one body was not a hostage. Hamas officials claim the process is slow because some bodies are buried under rubble or in tunnels destroyed by Israeli attacks. The armed group says heavy machinery and excavating equipment are needed to recover the remains safely.

Ceasefire Violations

Both sides accuse each other of breaking the truce. Hamas claims Israel has killed at least 24 Palestinians since the ceasefire began, including civilians near conflict zones. Israel says its forces only fired when individuals approached soldiers or tunnel openings, describing it as self-defense.

The ongoing clashes highlight the fragile nature of the truce. Palestinian authorities report sporadic airstrikes and gunfire, while drones and warplanes remain active in southern Gaza. The fighting has left many Palestinians homeless and worsened famine conditions in parts of the territory.

Trump’s Role

U.S. President Donald Trump, who helped mediate the ceasefire, has threatened Hamas with consequences if violations continue. He stressed that any further action would not involve U.S. troops directly, but would occur under the U.S.’s influence.

Trump’s plan also includes longer-term elements, such as forming an international stabilization force and setting the stage for Palestinian governance, though Israel has rejected moves toward a Palestinian state.

Humanitarian Crisis

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical. While some aid trucks have entered, the needs are enormous. Medical care is limited, and most of the 2.2 million residents face severe shortages of food, water, and shelter. Hamas officials describe the aid that has arrived as “a drop in the ocean” compared to the scale of destruction caused by Israeli bombardments.

The war has killed nearly 68,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. Many cities in Gaza have been reduced to rubble, and essential services are barely functioning. Aid agencies say thousands of aid vehicles are needed weekly to prevent a worsening famine.

Hostages and Future Security

Earlier this week, 20 living Israeli hostages were released in exchange for thousands of Palestinians jailed in Israel. The handover of the remaining bodies is seen as a crucial step to maintaining the ceasefire. Israel continues to demand that Hamas relinquish weapons and give up control over Gaza, while Hamas asserts its authority in areas vacated by Israeli forces.

Challenges Ahead

The ceasefire is under serious pressure. Both sides blame each other for violations, and the slow recovery of bodies could derail peace efforts. Humanitarian aid, political negotiations, and security arrangements remain unresolved, and the population of Gaza suffers daily from the conflict’s aftermath.

Observers warn that any breakdown in the truce could reignite fighting, potentially causing more deaths and destruction. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for aid, diplomacy, and adherence to agreements to prevent further escalation.

The Israel-Hamas ceasefire remains tenuous and fragile. The dispute over the return of hostage bodies, ongoing violence, and humanitarian crises show how difficult it is to achieve lasting peace in Gaza. Both sides face strong pressure to maintain the agreement, but without cooperation, violence may return, and the lives of ordinary people will continue to be at great risk.

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