Israel and Hamas Face Challenges in Returning Deceased Hostages Amid Peace Negotiations

Israel has assessed that Hamas may not be able to locate and return all the remaining deceased hostages in Gaza, according to three Israeli sources. This development could complicate efforts to reach a deal to end the ongoing conflict.

The Israeli government is aware that Hamas may not know the location of, or be unable to retrieve, the remains of some of the 28 remaining deceased hostages. Estimates vary, with one source indicating between seven and nine, and another suggesting between 10 and 15. These assessments are based on Israeli intelligence reports, as well as communications from Hamas and mediators during negotiations.

Currently, 20 hostages are believed to be alive, with grave concerns for the well-being of two of them. In recent negotiations held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Israel has demanded the return of all hostages—both living and deceased—as a condition for ending the war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet have been aware for months that Hamas may not know the whereabouts of some deceased hostages and may therefore be unable to meet that demand. The United States has also been informed of this issue, with negotiators in the Biden administration aware that some hostages were held by factions in Gaza over which Hamas does not exert full control.

Barbara Leaf, Assistant Secretary of State for Middle Eastern Affairs, stated:

"It’s been the case from the outset that they (Hamas) have not had control over all of the hostages."

She added that recovering the remains of some of the dead hostages could be difficult:

"It’s far more likely they can recover all of the living hostages."

The uncertainty surrounding the deceased hostages is particularly sensitive in Israeli society, resonating with previous unresolved cases of missing soldiers. For instance, Lieutenant Hadar Goldin was killed and his body taken by Hamas during the seven-week war in Gaza in 2014; his body has never been returned.

One of Netanyahu’s close confidants, Natan Eshel, recently referred to the Gaza negotiations, indicating that senior figures in the Israeli political establishment believe that some hostages’ bodies may never be returned.

This situation underscores the complexities involved in the ongoing negotiations and the challenges both parties face in reaching a comprehensive agreement.