Israel has extended the closure of Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating Saturday that reopening hinges on Hamas accelerating the return of deceased hostages' bodies. The decision comes amid escalating tensions over implementation of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement reached last week.
Ceasefire Strains Emerge
Hamas condemned the move as "a blatant violation" of the truce, arguing that continued closure hampers efforts to locate more bodies under Gaza's rubble. The group also accused Israel of mismanaging the return of Palestinian militants' remains. Meanwhile, Israel maintains Hamas has been "too slow" in fulfilling its obligations under the deal.
Fragile Progress
Twelve of 28 promised Israeli hostage bodies have been transferred since Saturday, part of an exchange requiring Israel to return 360 Palestinian militants' remains. The process has become a critical test for broader negotiations, including elements of former U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point peace proposal.
Humanitarian Crossroads
With Rafah closed since May 2024, the impasse complicates Gaza's reconstruction efforts and family reunifications. As mediators work to prevent collapse of the ceasefire, observers warn the body exchange dispute could derail recent diplomatic gains in the conflict.
