Hamas gives update on last ‘Israeli’ captive in Gaza
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- Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem stated that the group has shared all available information regarding the body of the final ‘Israeli’ captive and has cooperated “positively” with search efforts involving mediators.
- Qassem accused ‘Israel’ of repeatedly obstructing recovery efforts in areas behind the "yellow line" and claimed that the ‘Israeli’ government is using the delay to evade the obligations and requirements of the ceasefire’s first phase.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said Monday that the group is committed to locating the remains of the last ‘Israeli’ captive held in Gaza, adding that the movement has acted with full transparency toward mediators.
In a series of statements to Al Jazeera, Qassem emphasized that Hamas has provided all data and relevant information currently in its possession about the last ‘Israeli’ captive – policeman Ran Gvili.
He said the group is handling search efforts with a "positive attitude," briefing mediators directly on every step taken to retrieve the body of the last captive.
Obstacles at the "Yellow Line"
Qassem specifically pointed to logistical hurdles created by the ‘Israeli’ military, saying that ‘Israel’ has "repeatedly obstructed" search missions in strategic zones located behind the "yellow line", the demarcation line established during the October 2025 ceasefire.
According to the spokesperson, these restricted zones have become a significant barrier for recovery teams, including those accompanied by the Red Cross.
Hamas officials argue that without unfettered access to these specific locations, the search process remains hampered by military restrictions rather than a lack of Palestinian cooperation.
Accusations of Evading Phase One Obligations
The spokesperson further claimed that ‘Israel’ is intentionally exploiting the failure to locate the body to stall the peace talks process.
Qassem told Al Jazeera that the ‘Israeli’ government is using the missing remains as a pretext to "evade the requirements of the first phase" of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement.
"We are ready to cooperate with mediators and guarantors in any efforts that lead to finding the body," Qassem stated, while calling on the international community to pressure the ‘Israeli’ side to allow recovery teams to operate without interference.
