The Israeli occupation army continues to undermine the recently declared ceasefire in Gaza by conditioning the reopening of the Rafah border crossing and the delivery of humanitarian aid on the return of the remains of its soldiers, which are held in the Gaza Strip.

According to reports in the Hebrew media, an Israeli official stated that the government refuses to proceed with the second phase of the prisoner exchange and humanitarian agreements until “all the bodies of the captives are handed over.” The source added that the Rafah crossing will remain closed until, in Israel’s words, “Hamas intensifies its efforts to retrieve the bodies.”

However, the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, reaffirmed that it has handed over all the bodies it was able to recover. The resistance movement emphasized that heavy machinery and specialized equipment are required to access and retrieve the remaining bodies, which remain trapped under rubble caused by Israeli bombardments.

This move by the occupation demonstrates a continued attempt to exploit humanitarian needs for political leverage, despite the clear obligations outlined in the ceasefire agreement. Palestinian sources assert that Israel’s insistence on linking aid to military objectives violates the spirit of the truce and prolongs the suffering of civilians in Gaza.

Local authorities and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called for unhindered access at Rafah, stressing the urgent need for medical supplies, food, and reconstruction materials. Gaza’s residents continue to endure dire living conditions, with the closure of the border further exacerbating shortages of essential goods.

The al-Qassam Brigades vowed that it will continue its efforts to recover all remaining bodies but condemned Israel for politicizing humanitarian relief and failing to honor the ceasefire commitments.

Observers warn that Israel’s obstruction not only threatens the fragile truce but also endangers civilians relying on the flow of essential aid, while undermining international efforts to stabilize the region. (ILKHA)