Trump slams Hamas: ‘The dead were not returned as promised’

Israeli officials confirmed that Hamas has so far returned only four bodies.

By World Israel News Staff

President Donald Trump on Tuesday accused Hamas of violating the agreement to return all Israeli hostages, both living and dead, after the group delivered only a few of the promised bodies.

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

Shortly afterward, during a meeting at the White House with Argentine President Javier Milei, Trump reiterated that under the terms of the broader deal, Hamas must disarm. “If they don’t disarm, we will disarm them. They know I’m not playing games,” he said.

Israeli officials confirmed that Hamas has so far returned only four bodies — Yossi Sharabi, Guy Illouz, Daniel Peretz, and Bipin Joshi — which were identified at Israel’s National Forensic Institute.

According to reports, Hamas is expected to hand over additional deceased hostages Tuesday night in a transfer from two locations in Gaza.

Sources familiar with the matter said there is mounting pressure on the group to carry out another release soon, though “the organization is not showing sufficient willingness and still holds additional bodies.”

Under the terms of the agreement reached last week, Hamas was given 72 hours to return all hostages.

The deadline expired Monday, with the remains of 24 victims still in its custody. In response, Israel has tightened restrictions on humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip.