Israel Doubts Hamas Can Return All Hostage Remains Amid Ongoing Gaza Talks

Israel’s ongoing negotiations to end the war in Gaza face new complications as intelligence assessments suggest that Hamas may not be able to locate and return all the remains of deceased hostages. Three Israeli officials familiar with the matter revealed that this issue could hinder progress toward a ceasefire and hostage-release deal.

According to these sources, the Israeli government believes Hamas either does not know the location of, or cannot retrieve, the remains of some of the 28 hostages confirmed dead. Estimates vary, with one official suggesting that between seven and nine bodies are unaccounted for, while another places the number closer to 15.

The assessments reportedly stem from a combination of Israeli intelligence findings, messages from Hamas, and information conveyed through mediators involved in ongoing negotiations. The uncertainty has created a complex situation as Israel insists that any deal must include the return of both living and deceased captives.

Ongoing Negotiations and Political Strains

Talks in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, have focused on securing a comprehensive ceasefire and hostage exchange. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet have been aware for months that Hamas likely lacks information about several of the deceased hostages. Despite this, Israel continues to demand their return as part of the final agreement.

The United States is also aware of the issue. American negotiators have long recognized that not all hostages are held directly by Hamas but by other armed groups in Gaza that operate independently. Assistant Secretary of State for Middle Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf noted that Hamas “has not had control over all of the hostages from the outset” and that recovering remains would be significantly harder than securing the release of those still alive.

One Israeli official expressed concern that Hamas could use the missing remains as leverage to prolong ceasefire implementation or push for additional concessions, such as a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. Others worry that Netanyahu might exploit the uncertainty to delay or disrupt the talks altogether — an accusation frequently raised by his critics and some families of hostages.

Sensitive Historical Parallels and National Pressure

The question of missing hostages touches a deep emotional chord in Israel, where the principle of never leaving anyone behind is central to national identity. Past cases, such as the disappearance of Air Force navigator Ron Arad in Lebanon in 1986 and the death of Lieutenant Hadar Goldin during the 2014 Gaza war, remain painful reminders of unresolved losses. Goldin’s remains, still held by Hamas, are now part of the broader list of 48 living and deceased hostages whose return Israel demands.

Recent remarks from Netanyahu’s confidant Natan Eshel hinted at the somber reality that “there will be some Ron Arads,” implying that not every missing Israeli will be recovered.

Despite growing public pressure and strong U.S. involvement, there is cautious optimism that both sides may still reach a deal. Observers believe Netanyahu, under immense political and diplomatic pressure, is more likely to use the situation as bargaining leverage rather than abandon negotiations entirely.

As discussions continue, the inability to account for all the hostages — living and dead — stands as one of the most emotionally charged and politically delicate obstacles in the path to ending the Gaza conflict.