The international community watches closely as US President Donald Trump delivered a stark ultimatum to the radical group Hamas, demanding the immediate return of all accessible bodies of hostages tragically killed during the October 7, 2023 massacres. Speaking on the night of October 26, the President set a strict 48-hour deadline for Hamas to comply, a move that significantly escalates pressure on the militant organization amidst ongoing efforts to stabilize the volatile region. This demand comes as Israel continues its intensive operations to dismantle Hamas’s extensive tunnel network in the areas of the Gaza Strip under its control, a key element of the current ceasefire agreement.
President Trump conveyed his unequivocal message via the social media platform Truth Social, asserting that a “very strong peace” had been established in the Middle East, which he believes has “every chance of lasting forever.” However, he stressed that Hamas must “start returning the bodies of deceased hostages, including two Americans, as soon as possible,” warning that failure to do so would prompt “other countries participating in this great peace process” to take action. The American leader acknowledged that some bodies might be difficult to access, but emphasized that others could be returned immediately, yet were not. He underscored the necessity for all parties to the armed conflict to uphold their commitments, stating, “We will see what they do in the next 48 hours. I am watching this very closely.”
Israeli intelligence, as conveyed to Washington during recent high-level visits by US officials, suggests that Hamas possesses the capability to return the remains of at least 8 to 10 of the 13 deceased captives, reportedly having access to their burial sites. However, Israel alleges the group is deliberately procrastinating the process. The 12th Channel reported that Israel had explored various coercive measures, including the cessation of humanitarian aid, to compel Hamas to release the bodies. Such proposals were, however, met with strong objections from the United States, which warned that Israeli pressure tactics could reignite the conflict and jeopardize President Trump’s broader peace initiative, underscoring the delicate diplomatic tightrope being walked by all parties.
In a humanitarian effort to locate the missing remains, a specialized team from Egypt has arrived in Gaza, deploying engineering vehicles to assist in the search. The Times of Israel, citing an Israeli military official, confirmed that the Egyptian rescue team has been provided with critical information from both Israeli and Hamas sources regarding the potential locations of the remains. This collaborative step received personal approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Turkey also offered its assistance in the search, its participation was ultimately blocked by Israeli leadership due to unspecified security concerns, highlighting the intricate web of regional rivalries and security considerations.
Concurrently, Israel’s defense strategy has significantly focused on neutralizing Hamas’s underground infrastructure. On the evening of October 25, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a directive to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to destroy all Hamas tunnels within the “yellow line,” the designated demarcation zone to which Israel withdrew its forces under the ceasefire agreement. Katz proclaimed the eradication of this subterranean system a “central mission” for Israel, placing it on par with other critical IDF objectives. During discussions with US Vice President JD Vance in Jerusalem, Katz revealed that over 60% of Hamas’s tunnels remained intact after the recent conflict, with the IDF having managed to destroy only approximately 25% of the group’s underground communication and operational networks during the war itself.
The continued existence of these tunnels, extending across both sides of the “yellow line,” presents a persistent and significant security risk for the IDF. Palestinian militants have historically exploited these subterranean passages to execute stealth attacks on Israeli forces, including the recent killing of two IDF soldiers near the southern city of Rafah, which occurred during the “regime of silence” and prompted a half-day resumption of Israeli strikes on the Strip. This incident vividly underscores the strategic threat posed by the unaddressed tunnel network.
A particularly grim concern is the possibility that some of the deceased hostages’ bodies might still be trapped within the extensive tunnel system, especially in areas currently under Israeli influence. Consequently, IDF military personnel are meticulously surveying these tunnels prior to their demolition, striving to ensure that no remains are inadvertently sealed or destroyed, adding a somber layer to their operational objectives.
Israeli military intelligence has long maintained that a substantial portion of Hamas’s military strength and arsenal was accumulated through contraband smuggling via underground corridors extending into the Sinai Peninsula. The intelligence community warns that if Israel were to withdraw entirely from the border strip between Gaza and Egypt, Hamas could swiftly recommence its efforts to rebuild its military capabilities. This potential resurgence is a serious concern, even if a multinational military force, currently being assembled by the US with regional partners, were deployed to the area.
In a decisive statement opening a cabinet meeting on October 26, Prime Minister Netanyahu unequivocally asserted Israel’s sovereign right to determine the acceptable model for any peacekeeping force deployed to the region. He further emphasized that Israel would not seek external permission for military strikes in Gaza or Lebanon should it deem such actions necessary. “Israel is an independent state,” the Prime Minister declared, affirming, “We will defend ourselves with our own forces and continue to control our destiny,” signaling a resolute national stance amidst complex international diplomatic pressures and security challenges.