What's happened
Two weeks after a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel and Hamas continue negotiations over the return of remains and hostages. Families demand closure, while Israel intensifies military efforts and diplomatic efforts to recover bodies and dismantle Hamas tunnels amid ongoing tensions.
What's behind the headline?
The ongoing negotiations over hostage remains highlight the deep cultural and religious importance Israel places on body retrieval, which directly impacts the stability of the ceasefire. Hamas's delays in returning all bodies suggest strategic leverage, while Israel's military focus on destroying tunnels indicates a shift toward long-term security objectives. The US's diplomatic efforts, including plans for peacekeeping, aim to stabilize the region, but the situation remains fragile. The political fallout in Israel, with criticism of Netanyahu's handling of the war, underscores the complex domestic pressures influencing the conflict's resolution. The broader geopolitical implications involve Qatar's mediating role and Egypt's logistical support, reflecting regional power dynamics.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that families of hostages are demanding closure and criticize the slow return of remains, emphasizing the cultural importance of body retrieval. The NY Post highlights US Senator Rubio's visit and his firm stance on the need for all remains to be returned, with ongoing negotiations and international diplomatic efforts. The Times of Israel provides detailed coverage of Israeli political criticism, protests, and military priorities, including the focus on destroying Hamas tunnels and the political accountability demanded by families. All sources underscore the ongoing tension between diplomatic negotiations and military objectives, with a shared emphasis on the importance of returning bodies for closure and stability.
How we got here
The conflict escalated after Hamas launched a surprise attack on October 7, 2023, capturing and killing Israeli soldiers and civilians. In response, Israel launched a two-year offensive in Gaza. A ceasefire brokered by the US began on October 10, 2025, leading to partial hostage releases and negotiations over remains, amid ongoing tensions over the full return of bodies and the future of Gaza.
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Common question
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.