Hamas is blaming “extensive destruction” and bodies buried “deep beneath the rubble” for its slow return of Israeli hostage remains. This excuse comes as Donald Trump, Israel’s ally and the truce’s broker, issues a 48-hour warning.
Trump stated he is “watching very closely” and that Hamas is not returning bodies it can reach. So far, only 18 remains have been returned, in exchange for 195 Palestinian bodies.
As this key part of the truce falters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is asserting control over the next phase. He declared Sunday that Israel will have a full veto over the international peacekeeping force.
“Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us,” Netanyahu said, a stance the US supports.
This comes as the truce was also tested by an Israeli strike on the Nuseirat camp, which Hamas called a “clear violation.”