Hamas has announced an investigation into a potential mistake after Israel claimed that the body of hostage Shiri Bibas was not among those handed over during a ceasefire deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened severe consequences, vowing to ensure the return of all hostages.

Detailed Report

The recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas included the return of four hostage bodies. Hamas was expected to transfer the remains of Shiri Bibas and her two sons along with another hostage, Oded Lifshitz. However Israeli officials stated that the fourth body handed over was that of an unidentified woman not Bibas.

Basem Naim a senior Hamas official admitted that errors could occur especially given the destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. He reiterated that Hamas was committed to fulfilling agreements and that the organisation was investigating the matter.

Israeli forensic teams verified the identities of the Bibas children and Lifshitz but confirmed that the fourth body did not belong to Shiri Bibas. The Israeli government has condemned Hamas for what it calls a “cruel deception” and has promised a response.

Netanyahu’s Reaction 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning, stating, “We will ensure Hamas pays the full price for violating the agreement.” He accused Hamas of using unethical tactics by substituting Bibas’ body with that of a Palestinian woman.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have backed Netanyahu’s statement emphasising that Hamas must return both living and deceased hostages as agreed in the ceasefire.

Ceasefire Under Threat.?

The current ceasefire brokered with US, Qatari and Egyptian mediation, faces uncertainty after this development. Hamas is set to release six more living hostages in exchange for 602 Palestinian detainees but tensions over the missing body could impact future negotiations.

Meanwhile Israel has intensified military operations in the occupied West Bank after multiple explosions at bus depots near Tel Aviv. While no casualties were reported the attacks have revived fears of a return to past violence.

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International Response

The Red Cross expressed disappointment over the way the bodies were handed over, emphasising the need for dignity in such exchanges. Families of Israeli hostages while outraged over the Bibas situation continue to push for the return of all captives still held in Gaza. 

Despite the controversy reports suggest that Israel may still engage in negotiations to extend the ceasefire rather than immediately resume military operations.