Jerusalem, 20 October, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israel is preparing to receive the remains of a hostage from Hamas on Monday night, officials said. The handover follows Hamas’ announcement that it had located the body and would return it “if conditions permit,” amid renewed clashes in the Gaza Strip.
The expected transfer comes in the wake of a deadly attack in Rafah on Sunday morning. In what may have been an attempt to abduct troops, Hamas operatives emerged from a tunnel in Israeli-controlled territory and fired an anti-tank missile at a military engineering vehicle, killing two soldiers.
“The forces fired at the terrorists who crossed the Yellow Line in order to remove the threat to the troops,” an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson said. The IDF reported a second incident Monday morning in the Shajaiya neighborhood of eastern Gaza City, when another group of Hamas operatives crossed the Yellow Line and again faced Israeli fire. Palestinian media said at least two people were killed in these encounters.
Under the ceasefire agreement, the IDF withdrew from roughly 53% of the Gaza Strip, mostly non-urban areas, establishing what is known as the Yellow Line. Israel has begun installing physical markers along the boundary, including concrete blocks painted yellow and metal signs, to clearly define the limits of its control.
Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized Israel’s zero-tolerance policy for any violations of the ceasefire. “Any Hamas operative found beyond the Yellow Line in territory under Israeli control must evacuate immediately. The leaders of Hamas will bear responsibility for any incident,” Katz said. He added that anyone remaining in the area would be targeted without warning.
“The protection of IDF soldiers is the top priority, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure this,” he insisted.
Despite the ceasefire, clashes have continued sporadically. In southern Gaza’s Rafah, Hamas operatives launched RPGs from tunnels under Israeli-controlled territory. The IDF has assessed that some operatives remain holed up in tunnels within areas under its control.
Kerem Shalom, the main border crossing for goods and aid into Gaza, reopened Monday after a temporary closure prompted by Hamas’ ceasefire violations. Israeli military officials said the crossing will continue to operate, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches Gaza.
Around 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken captive by Hamas during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. The bodies of 16 more hostages remain in Gaza.
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