Israel Says Hamas Staged Hostage Remains Return

Drone footage released by the IDF shows Hamas operatives burying and then "discovering" the partial remains of an Israeli hostage in front of ICRC teams. The ICRC says its staff observed in good faith and did not know the scene had been staged, and has raised concerns urging that human remains be handled with dignity and forensic standards. Forensic testing identified the fragment as Ofir Tzarfati, whose body the IDF says it had already recovered and buried in December 2023. Israeli officials called the episode a clear violation of the ceasefire return agreement and accused Hamas of staging displays to withhold about 13 remaining deceased hostages to gain negotiating leverage. Tzarfati’s family condemned the act as emotional manipulation, and senior Israeli ministers and hawkish officials said the footage justifies renewed pressure or military responses while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will consult defence chiefs. The incident has drawn international condemnation and U.S. pressure, including warnings from officials and a 48-hour demand from President Trump.