Israeli authorities announced on Wednesday that one of the bodies handed over by Hamas in a recent U.S.-brokered deal was not one of the previously held hostages, even as other remains were identified and returned to their families.

The exchange of bodies is part of a broader agreement designed to support peace efforts in Gaza, under which Hamas was expected to return all remaining hostages — 20 living and 28 deceased — by Monday, October 13. While all 20 living hostages were released on time, only four deceased hostages were initially handed over.

A joint statement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Security Agency (ISA) confirmed that following examinations at the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, the fourth body handed over by Hamas did not match any known hostages. The IDF emphasized that Hamas is required to make “all necessary efforts to return the deceased hostages.”

Identified Hostages and Families’ Response

The remains of the other three deceased hostages have been identified as Staff Sergeant Tamir Nimrodi, Uriel Baruch, and Eitan Levi. Earlier, the first four returned bodies were identified as Guy Iluz, Capt. Daniel Peretz, Yossi Sharabi, and Bipin Joshi.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing Israeli hostage families, expressed anger and frustration over the incomplete return of bodies. The group has urged the U.S. and international mediators to ensure that Hamas fulfills its obligations under the agreement and brings home all remaining hostages.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz criticized Hamas for the initial partial return, calling it “a violation of the agreement,” and warned that any delays or attempts to evade the deal would be treated as a serious breach.

Peace Deal Terms and Ongoing Negotiations

The agreement stipulated that in exchange for the return of hostages, Israel would release nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners, increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, and partially withdraw Israeli forces from major cities in the territory. These measures were implemented last Friday, triggering a three-day window for Hamas to return Israeli captives.

Despite these efforts, Hamas representatives reportedly admitted they did not know the location of all deceased hostages, complicating the completion of the exchange. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, involved in mediating the deal, confirmed that unidentified parties are still working to locate some of the missing remains.

An international team is expected to be established to locate the remaining hostages, according to Gal Hirsch, Hostage and Missing Persons Coordinator for the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. However, the details regarding its composition and timeline remain unclear.

Continuing Humanitarian and Security Challenges

The hostage exchange highlights the ongoing security and humanitarian challenges in Gaza, as well as the delicate nature of negotiations between Israel and Hamas. While the release of living hostages represents a significant milestone, the incomplete return of deceased individuals underscores the difficulties in fully implementing peace agreements under highly complex and volatile conditions.

Israeli authorities continue to coordinate with international mediators and humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross, to ensure that remaining hostages are returned safely and that families receive closure.