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Israel has escalated pressure on Hamas over the return of the remains of Gvili, making clear that no political or humanitarian progress will be made without their recovery. Senior security sources say the issue has become a central condition in ongoing indirect contacts.
According to Israeli officials, Hamas and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have been conducting searches in the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City. The operation was recently paused after Storm Byron brought heavy rain and unsafe conditions to the area.
Israeli media outlet Maariv quoted a security source as saying that Israel is applying “very strong and clear pressure” on Hamas. The source stressed that the current situation is strictly interim and offers no benefits to the militant group.
“Until Gvili’s remains are returned, there will be no progress,” the source said, underscoring Israel’s position that negotiations cannot move forward without tangible action from Hamas.
Another security official highlighted that this stage also carries significant disadvantages for Hamas. According to the source, Israel will not permit steps that could enable the rehabilitation of the Gaza Strip while the issue remains unresolved.
“There will be no concrete, no concrete mixers, no discussion of a new Yellow Line, no opening of the Rafah Border Crossing — and more,” the source added, outlining a series of measures that will remain off the table.
The reference to reconstruction materials is particularly significant, as cement and heavy equipment are critical for rebuilding Gaza’s damaged infrastructure. Israel has long restricted such materials, citing concerns they could be diverted for military use.
The Rafah Border Crossing, Gaza’s main gateway to Egypt, has also been a key point of contention. Any potential reopening or easing of restrictions is now explicitly tied to the return of Gvili’s remains, Israeli officials say.
The involvement of the ICRC reflects the sensitive humanitarian dimension of the issue. The organization has often acted as an intermediary in conflicts, particularly in matters involving detainees, remains of the deceased, and humanitarian access.
However, the pause caused by Storm Byron illustrates the practical challenges of conducting searches in densely populated and heavily damaged areas. Poor weather, unstable structures, and unexploded ordnance complicate recovery efforts.
Despite these obstacles, Israeli officials insist that the responsibility lies with Hamas. They argue that the group has sufficient control on the ground to facilitate the return if it chooses to do so.
Hamas has not publicly commented on the latest statements, but past positions suggest it views such cases as leverage in broader negotiations. Analysts say this dynamic continues to shape the stalemate between the two sides.
For families awaiting closure, the issue remains deeply personal. The recovery of remains is seen in Israel as a moral obligation, transcending political considerations and resonating strongly with the public.
As regional tensions remain high, the standoff highlights how humanitarian issues, security concerns, and political calculations are tightly intertwined. For now, Israel’s message is unequivocal: without the return of Gvili’s remains, Gaza-related discussions will remain frozen.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members