Trump Urges Hamas to Return Bodies of Deceased Hostages

On Saturday, former President Donald Trump emphasized that Hamas should “immediately begin” the process of returning the bodies of hostages that were killed during the conflict in Gaza. He warned that if they don’t comply, “other countries participating in this great peace will take action.”

While all living hostages have been released from Gaza, the remains of 13 deceased hostages are still with Hamas. Trump expressed frustration on Truth Social, stating that “some of the bodies are difficult to reach” but questioned why they are not being returned. “Perhaps it has something to do with their disarmament,” he noted, adding that any fairness would depend on Hamas fulfilling their obligations. He indicated he’s keeping a close eye on the situation and expects developments within 48 hours.

Earlier in the day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, met with the families of two victims, Itai Chen and Omer Neutra, who were killed in the October 7 attack. Rubio expressed a commitment to ensuring that the remains of the hostages never forgotten and reiterated the call for their return.

Chen, a 19-year-old dual U.S. and Israeli citizen, was initially reported kidnapped but later confirmed dead. Neutra, 21, an Israeli-American from New York, also died during the same incident.

Huckabee noted that Rubio’s trip to Israel was fruitful in terms of advancing the U.S.-backed peace initiative, which hinges on the release of all hostages, whether alive or deceased.

Meanwhile, Trump met with Qatari leaders during a stop in Asia, where he remarked on the meaningful progress made towards a ceasefire and a potential prisoner exchange agreement. He praised Qatar’s Emir and Prime Minister, acknowledging their roles in the ongoing peace negotiations.

Reflecting on the efforts to broker peace, Trump asserted, “What we have achieved is incredible. Peace in the Middle East.”