Four coffins of deceased hostages cross into Israel, IDF begins identification process

Hamas has not provided the identities of the hostages it returned, and the terror group is believed to still be holding the remains of at least 20 other hostages in Gaza.

By World Israel News Staff

Four coffins containing the remains of deceased hostages have crossed into Israeli territory, escorted by IDF and ISA forces, the military confirmed Tuesday evening.

The caskets are being transported to the National Institute for Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv, where identification procedures will be carried out. Officials have said the process may take up to two days.

The IDF emphasized that representatives are accompanying the families throughout the transfer, providing support and guidance during this difficult moment.

The military released a full statement urging the public to respect the sensitivity of the situation:

“Four coffins of deceased hostages, escorted by IDF and ISA forces, crossed the border into the State of Israel a short while ago and are on their way to the National Institute for Forensic Medicine, where identification procedures will be carried out.
IDF representatives are accompanying the families.
The IDF urges the public to act with sensitivity and wait for official identification, which will first be communicated to the families of the deceased hostages.”

Earlier on Tuesday, President Donald Trump warned that Hamas had failed to keep its word regarding the return of hostages.

“All twenty hostages have been returned and are feeling as good as can be expected,” he wrote. “A big burden has been lifted, but the job is not done. The dead have not been returned, as promised! Phase two begins now!”

Trump later reiterated during a meeting at the White House with Argentine President Javier Milei that Hamas must disarm. “If they don’t disarm, we will disarm them,” he said.

Hamas has not provided the identities of the hostages it returned, and the terror group is believed to still be holding the remains of at least 20 other hostages in Gaza.