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.

The bodies were taken to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute in Tel Aviv for identification, which may take up to two days.

Israel has received the remains of what Hamas earlier said were two deceased hostages held in Gaza. The remains were transferred to Israel via the Red Cross and will be taken to the country’s national forensics laboratory for identification.

The temporary dividing line between two foes is becoming more permanent, with earthworks and plans for civilian infrastructure.

Police also worked with paratroopers to locate and arrest several individuals suspected of incitement to terrorism in the Hebron area. The IDF struck and killed three terrorists near Jenin in the West Bank,

Israel received the remains two deceased hostages held in Gaza on Thursday afternoon. The remains were transferred to Israel via the Red Cross and taken to the country’s national forensics laboratory for identification.