Israel threatens Hamas with harsh sanctions if it hides hostages’ bodies

Israel issued a direct threat to Hamas, holding it fully responsible for any delay or obstruction in retrieving the bodies of Israeli captives from the Gaza Strip.

According to Israeli estimates, a number of bodies remain buried underground, and Tel Aviv fears Hamas is keeping them as a bargaining chip in negotiations. It said that if the movement refuses to cooperate, or is proven to be deliberately concealing the bodies, harsh sanctions will be imposed on it including: freezing the reconstruction of the Strip, preventing the entry of caravans, closing bakeries, and impeding the entry of civilian equipment.

According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the international task force participating in the ceasefire agreement will take on part of the search operations, with Israel providing the force with sites believed to be where the bodies were buried. Precise excavations are planned in those areas.

Israeli authorities also imposed “closure orders” on several areas of the Strip, banning any construction or rebuilding until the excavations are completed, amid concerns that bodies may be present at those sites.

The paper said Israel has prepared a detailed list of sites targeted for excavations in preparation for the next phase of the operation, at a time when recovering the bodies is considered one of the sensitive issues in post-war arrangements.