Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will stay closed until Hamas hands over all remaining bodies of deceased Israeli hostages. This contradicts earlier statements from the Palestinian embassy in Egypt that the crossing would reopen soon.
Hamas called Netanyahu’s move a violation of the ceasefire deal, saying the closure blocks equipment needed to recover more bodies from rubble in Gaza.
Under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, Hamas has released 20 living Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas is also expected to return 28 bodies of Israeli hostages, while Israel must hand over 360 Palestinian militant bodies in return. So far, Israel has received 12 bodies, but it says Hamas is too slow in delivering the rest.
The dispute highlights the fragility of the ceasefire and complicates wider plans for peace, reconstruction in Gaza, aid delivery, disarmament, and future governance.
Netanyahu also announced he plans to run in Israel’s 2026 elections.
Credit : CGTN
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