Hamas official says Israel’s actions in Gaza complicate recovery of hostage bodies

A senior Hamas official abroad, Khalil al-Hayya, has addressed the issue of returning the bodies of deceased Israeli hostages in an interview with Al Jazeera.

“As for the bodies, we informed the mediators several months ago about the existing difficulties in locating them, as Israel has altered the landscape in Gaza, including areas where the deceased were buried. In some cases, it is no longer clear where they were laid to rest. There is an American understanding on this matter, and we have explained it clearly,” al-Hayya said.

He added: “The military wing of Hamas is making every effort to search day and night, and everyone acknowledges the seriousness of our intentions. Over the past and previous weeks, following the release of live hostages, intensive and exceptional work has been ongoing. Israel is monitoring the situation.”

As of October 25, Hamas has returned 15 of 28 deceased hostages (including two on October 21 and two more on October 15), leaving 13 unrecovered—11 Israelis and two foreign nationals—amid accusations from Israel of deliberate delays.

The hostage crisis originated from Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack, killing 1,200 and abducting 251, with 28 deceased bodies (per Israeli assessments) held in Gaza. Prior truces released 105 living and 30 bodies in 2023–2025, but the October 2025 deal under Trump's 20-point plan mandated all returns in 72 hours. Delays, including a non-hostage body handed over accidentally, stem from rubble burial sites and destroyed landmarks, complicating searches in areas like Khan Younis and Rafah. Hamas has invoked the need for "special equipment," aligning with Egypt's proposed multinational recovery mission.

By Khagan Isayev