"Hamas is lying": Netanyahu tells Trump over remaining captives' bodies

US President Donald Trump held a phone call on Thursday with 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the stalled return of captives’ bodies from Gaza, according to the 'Israeli' prime minister’s office.

A senior 'Israeli' official told Axios that Trump phoned Netanyahu in the middle of a security meeting with top 'Israeli' officials focused on Hamas’s refusal to hand over the remains of all deceased captives. So far, the group has returned only nine of 28 bodies, claiming it needs more time to locate the others.

The official said Netanyahu told Trump that “Hamas is lying” and urged Washington and other mediators to pressure the group to hand over more remains. Trump reportedly responded that he was aware of the situation and “working on it.” The White House declined to comment.

“We think Hamas is holding between seven to ten bodies that it can return at any minute. They choose not to do it and are creating a crisis,” the 'Israeli' official said.

Trump’s advisers have reassured both Netanyahu and the families of the deceased captives that the United States is committed to securing the return of all bodies. At the same time, the White House has cautioned 'Israel' against allowing the issue to stall the broader implementation of the ongoing agreement.

In a statement on Friday, Hamas urged mediators “to complete their role by following up on the implementation of the remaining provisions of the agreement,” pointing to humanitarian aid, the reopening of Rafah crossing, and reconstruction efforts.

The group also called for the formation of a “community support committee” of independent figures to act as a governing body in Gaza, alongside a full 'Israeli' military withdrawal from the territory.