Hamas has said the return of the remaining bodies "may take some time" due to the destruction wrought in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday instructed the country's military to "carry out powerful strikes in Gaza," a statement from his office said, in response to alleged ceasefire violations by Hamas.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s military said Thursday that Palestinians handed over two coffins containing the remains of dead hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza. Fighters had previously returned the remains of 15 hostages since the start of the ceasefire, with 13 more still to be recovered.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday ordered the military to carry out immediate "powerful" strikes in the Gaza Strip, his office said. The statement comes after the prime minister held talks with security heads to discuss Israel's response to Hamas "violations" of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

The shaky peace is holding, once again, largely because of American pressure. America has established a “Civil-Military Co-ordination Centre” in Israel under a four-star admiral to ensure Israel adheres to the agreement.

Military and Middle East experts say a new Gaza rebuilding plan focused on creating secure enclaves, restoring stability and cutting off Hamas terrorists could succeed in the long term.