Israeli Security Services Prepare for Possible Handover of Bodies of Israeli Prisoners by Hamas

Strategic Insights -

Israeli security services are preparing for the possibility that Hamas will hand over the bodies of two Israeli prisoners via the Red Cross on Friday evening. The United States is continuing to pressure mediators and Hamas to expedite the handover of the bodies, while Tel Aviv expects progress on this issue to develop over the weekend. According to informed sources, Hamas has the ability to locate at least ten more bodies inside the Gaza Strip without any international assistance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Israeli security services are preparing for the possible handover of the bodies of two Israeli prisoners by Hamas via the Red Cross on Friday evening.
  • The United States is pressuring Hamas to expedite the handover of the bodies, while Tel Aviv expects progress on this issue to develop over the weekend.
  • Hamas has the ability to locate at least ten more bodies inside the Gaza Strip without any international assistance.
  • The last handover of bodies took place midweek, when Hamas handed over the bodies of two captives from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
  • Intelligence leaders presented an assessment to US Vice President J.D. Vance during his meeting with them yesterday in Tel Aviv, indicating that Hamas has the capacity to return at least 10 of the 13 bodies of Israelis still in Gaza.
  • Israel has demanded that the next phase of the Trump plan not be implemented until Hamas fulfills its obligations.
  • The US continues to pressure Israel not to obstruct the plan, to proceed with the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, and to implement the American initiative.
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Israel today as part of a series of ongoing visits by US officials.

Statistics:

  • At least 10 bodies of Israelis are still in Gaza, according to the Military Intelligence Directorate (Aman).
  • Hamas has the capacity to return at least 10 of these bodies without international assistance.
  • The United States has pressure on Hamas to expedite the handover of the bodies.
  • The Trump plan has been delayed due to Hamas's obligations not being fulfilled.

Sources:

  • The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (Kan)
  • Maan News Agency
  • US Vice President J.D. Vance
  • Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz
  • Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir
  • Military Intelligence Directorate (Aman)
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
  • Maan News Agency (24 Oct 2025)