17:25

Hamas has returned the bodies of four more deceased Israeli hostages to the Red Cross, following Israeli threats to cut humanitarian aid and close the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

Axar.az, citing Axios, reports that the move came after Israel accused Hamas of violating the U.S.-brokered Gaza peace deal, which required the return of 28 bodies — including two Americans — still unaccounted for.

Israeli officials said Hamas underestimated how seriously Israel viewed the issue. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered aid restrictions until more bodies are handed over.

President Donald Trump criticized Hamas on Truth Social, warning that “Phase Two begins right now” and insisting that all promised remains be returned. He later said Hamas had agreed “on the highest levels” to disarm, handing over heavy weapons to a Palestinian or Arab entity, though the group wants to keep small arms for “self-defense.”

Meanwhile, Hamas forces have reasserted control over parts of Gaza vacated by Israeli troops, reportedly carrying out executions of alleged collaborators. The Palestinian Authority has called for an immediate halt to the killings.

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Hamas announced that all hostages and bodies belonging to the hostages had been handed over to Israel.

"In keeping with the agreement, we have handed over all the hostages we have and the bodies we have been able to find. Special equipment is needed to find and remove the remaining bodies," it said.