Return bodies of 13 deceased captives within 48 hours or face action: Trump to Hamas

President Donald Trump has called on Hamas to return the bodies of 13 deceased captives held during the Gaza war “quickly, or the other countries involved in this great peace will take action.” While all living hostages have been released, the remains of these victims have not yet been handed over.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump noted that some bodies are difficult to access, while others could be returned immediately. He emphasised that fair treatment depends on Hamas meeting its obligations and said he is closely monitoring developments over the next 48 hours.

Earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee met with the families of Itay Chen and Omer Neutra, two US citizens killed in the Oct 7, 2023 attacks, whose bodies remain in Hamas’ custody. Rubio said, “We will not forget the lives of the hostages who died in the captivity of Hamas,” stressing the US commitment to returning all remains.

Trump, en route to Asia, met with Qatari leaders Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani aboard Air Force One during a refueling stop. He praised Qatar’s role in negotiating ceasefires and said the US-brokered peace deal marks “incredible” progress toward peace in the Middle East.

Huckabee added that the plan cannot succeed until all captives, living and deceased, are released. Trump also suggested Hamas may release up to 20 captives “a little bit early” as part of ongoing negotiations.