Israel Prepares to Reopen Rafah Crossing as Hamas Returns Hostage Bodies Amid Fragile Gaza Ceasefire

Aid trucks entered Gaza on Wednesday as Israel resumed plans to reopen the Rafah crossing, following Hamas’ return of more bodies of deceased hostages. The move came after a tense standoff that threatened to unravel the delicate ceasefire brokered to end two years of devastating conflict in Gaza.

Israel had warned of keeping Rafah closed and cutting aid deliveries over what it called Hamas’ slow return of bodies. However, Hamas handed over several Israeli bodies overnight, with two more coffins transferred via the Red Cross later in the day. Israeli officials confirmed preparations to reopen Rafah for Gazan citizens and allow 600 aid trucks to cross.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who brokered the ceasefire, warned that Israel could resume fighting if Hamas fails to disarm, saying Israel would “return to those streets as soon as I say the word.”

Hamas has handed over all living hostages and the bodies it could recover, citing difficulties in locating others buried under rubble. In return, Israel has begun returning Palestinian bodies, with 45 handed over so far.

The truce’s next phase requires Hamas to disarm and relinquish control, conditions the group continues to reject. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered preparations for a “total defeat” plan should the ceasefire collapse.

Despite limited aid entering through Kerem Shalom and Rafah, Gaza remains in humanitarian crisis, with widespread destruction and famine-level conditions. The United Nations said 600 daily aid trucks are a “good start” but still insufficient to meet the population’s needs.

As Gaza struggles to recover, internal violence has worsened. Hamas’ security forces have executed alleged collaborators, drawing condemnation from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Israeli troops have meanwhile retreated to a designated buffer zone outside Gaza’s main cities.