Two more hostage remains returned by Hamas as Israel increases pressure

Hamas transferred the remains of two deceased hostages to Israel late Saturday as another step in the implementation of the ongoing ceasefire agreement in the two-year war. 

The coffins crossed into Israel from Gaza and were sent to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine for identification and examination. The names of the hostages have not been released.

The handover brings the total number of hostage remains returned by Hamas to 12 out of 28 confirmed deaths, as part of the peace deal brokered about a week ago. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will continue to put pressure on the militant group to speed up the return of the remaining bodies.

Hamas has reportedly said that the destruction in Gaza is part of the reason for the delay in locating the bodies.

Israel announced on Saturday that the Rafah border crossing will remain closed “until further notice.” The change reverses an earlier plan to reopen the crossing on Sunday.