Hamas vs Israel dispute over released body: Hamas insists it's an IDF soldier, Israel rejects claim

Israel has rejected Hamas’ claim that a body recently released was that of a slain IDF soldier captured last year, saying no such hostage exists. Forensic analysis found that one of the four bodies returned did not match any of the abductions on October 7, 2023. Hamas militants stand guard as Red Cross vehicles (not pictured) transport the bodies of hostages held in Gaza since the deadly attack on October 7, 2023, after they were handed over by Hamas militants as part of a ceasefire and a hostage-prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel, in Gaza City, October 25, 2025, Aboud. Alkas(REUTERS) Israel has strongly denied Hamas’ claim that one of the bodies released on Tuesday was a fallen soldier captured last year, insisting that no such details exist. Anger erupted in Israel early Wednesday when Israeli forensic analysts determined that one of the four bodies released by Hamas did not match any of the individuals kidnapped on October 7, 2023. The mismatch prompted accusations from Israel that Hamas had violated the cease-fire agreement. The Jewish state has demanded that the terror group fully meet its obligations under the US-backed ceasefire agreement, The New York Post reported. Hamas maintains IDF soldier claim However, Hamas claimed the body belonged to an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier who was captured and killed during a shootout in the Jabalia refugee camp in May 2024 – an incident disputed by Israel. The group released a video showing members carrying a bloodied body through a tunnel, with the deceased depicted in military fatigues and holding a gun, the news outlet said. The IDF has repeatedly dismissed the claims as false, saying that no such ambush ever took place and that all of its soldiers were accounted for during the war, The New York Post reported. Netanyahu demands compliance Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the incident as a failure by Hamas to honor the ceasefire agreement, which requires the group to release all remaining hostages. “We will not compromise on this and will not stop our efforts until they return the last deceased hostage, to the last one,” Netanyahu vowed, according to the news outlet. Hamas cites operational challenges Hamas previously stated that it needed additional time to locate and return all hostages due to widespread destruction in Gaza, underscoring the logistical problems facing the group.