Israel: Hamas Hands Over 2 Coffins of Deceased Hostages, Rafah Crossing to Stay Closed

Israel announced that Gaza’s sole crossing with the outside world, Rafah, would stay closed “until further notice,” tying it to Hamas’ release of remains.

Buildings that were destroyed during the Israeli ground and air operations stand in the northern Gaza Strip during the sunrise, as seen from southern Israel on Oct. 17, 2025. Leo Correa/AP Photo

CAIRO—Israel said Hamas handed over “two coffins of deceased hostages ” from Gaza late Saturday, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu increased pressure on the terrorist group to share the rest more quickly under their ceasefire.

No names were immediately released. The bodies were in Israel and were being taken to the country’s National Institute of Forensic Medicine.