Israel considers new measures if Hamas does not return the remains of hostages

SadaNews - An Israeli official stated on Saturday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering new measures if Hamas does not continue to hand over the remains of Israeli hostages killed in Gaza.

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that among the measures being discussed is the repositioning of Israeli army forces within the Gaza Strip and changing previous withdrawal lines.

The source added that the Israeli official's remarks came ahead of Hamas's announcement on Saturday evening of its intention to hand over the remains of two additional hostages to Israel.

At the same time, Netanyahu's office announced that the Rafah crossing will remain closed until further notice, clarifying that its reopening will be considered "based on the extent of Hamas's commitment to returning the remains of the hostages and implementing the terms of the agreement."

The Forum of Families of Israeli Hostages welcomed Netanyahu's decision but emphasized that "the government should not rely on mediators, but should adopt a strict approach towards Hamas and demand the return of all hostages without exception."

The report noted that Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, will visit Israel on Monday alongside Vice President J.D. Vance to advance the U.S. administration's plan to end the war in Gaza.

It highlighted that Washington "urged Israel not to impose sanctions or take any actions at this time."

Moreover, Channel 12 revealed that "Israel is considering allowing Egyptian and Turkish teams into the Gaza Strip to search for the remains of Israeli hostages."

The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced that it "will deliver the remains of two prisoners from the Israeli occupation that were extracted today (Saturday) in the Gaza Strip at 10 PM Gaza time."