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Israel Tells U.S. Hamas Can Return Most Deceased Hostages as Phase 2 Seen Likely

An Israeli briefing to Vice President JD Vance says Hamas can recover most of the remaining bodies without outside teams, setting conditions for returns before the truce advances.

Overview

  • Israeli officials told Kan 11 that intelligence indicates Hamas can hand over at least 10 of the 13 confirmed deceased hostages still in Gaza.
  • A senior Israeli official separately said Hamas could return up to eight more bodies and that the locations of five others are unknown.
  • Kan 11 reported that moving to Phase 2 of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire is viewed as very likely, with Washington signaling progress can continue before all remains are recovered.
  • Israel has linked increases in humanitarian aid to additional body transfers and has held back some deliveries because not all hostages have been returned.
  • Since the pause began, 15 bodies have been repatriated and 20 living hostages have been released, while Israeli intelligence warns Hamas has used the lull to rebuild capabilities.