Netanyahu Pledges Continued Efforts for Hostage Recovery

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Thursday, October 16, 2025, his unwavering determination to secure the return of the bodies of deceased hostages believed to still be in Gaza. Speaking at a memorial for victims of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, Netanyahu affirmed that Israel would continue its fight against terrorism with "full force."

His comments came hours after Hamas returned the bodies of two more hostages, identified as Inbar Hayman and Sergeant Major Muhammad al-Atarash, to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Wednesday night, October 15, 2025. This brings the total number of deceased hostages returned since Monday, October 13, 2025, to nine out of an estimated 28. Hamas, however, stated it was unable to access the remaining 19 bodies, claiming they are buried in destroyed tunnels and under rubble, requiring specialist recovery equipment.

Ceasefire Under Strain Amid Accusations

The slow pace of returning the deceased hostages has fueled anger in Israel, with some suggesting it constitutes a breach of last week's Gaza ceasefire deal. However, the United States has downplayed this assertion. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the military to prepare a comprehensive plan to "defeat Hamas" if fighting resumes due to Hamas's failure to uphold the agreement.

Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump, who spearheaded the ceasefire agreement, indicated on Thursday, October 16, 2025, that he would be willing to see fighting resume if Hamas "continues to kill people." Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump referenced reports of internal violence within Gaza, where Hamas has been accused of targeting rivals. Trump has previously ruled out deploying American soldiers on the ground in Gaza.

Kenya's Stance on the Israel-Hamas Conflict

Kenya has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing a two-state solution based on United Nations resolutions. While initially condemning Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023, Kenya has since adopted a more diplomatic and humanitarian approach, voting in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian truce. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei, on Thursday, October 9, 2025, welcomed the ceasefire agreement, urging all parties to commit to lasting peace.

Kenya's foreign policy on the conflict aims for a neutral posture, condemning actions that violate international humanitarian law while also recognizing Israel's right to self-defence. The Kenyan government has also stressed the importance of protecting civilian lives and property, with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi stating in July 2025 that the "atrocities going on in Gaza are unnecessary and uncalled for."

Unanswered Questions and Next Steps

The discrepancy between the number of bodies Hamas claims it can access and Israel's intelligence on the location of additional remains remains a point of contention. Israel has shared intelligence on the believed locations of deceased hostages' bodies with mediating countries, including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. Hamas maintains that locating and recovering the remaining bodies requires significant effort and specialized equipment due to the extensive destruction in Gaza.

The ongoing dispute over the return of all deceased hostages poses a significant challenge to the stability of the ceasefire. International pressure continues to mount on both sides to adhere to the terms of the agreement and prioritize humanitarian concerns. The future of the ceasefire and the broader peace process will largely depend on resolving these critical issues and ensuring the full implementation of the agreed-upon terms.

Evidence/Data Box

• Total Hostages Taken (October 7, 2023): Approximately 250
• Living Hostages Returned (by October 13, 2025): 20
• Deceased Hostages Believed Held: 28
• Deceased Hostages Returned (as of October 16, 2025): 9
• Remaining Deceased Hostages: 19
• Date of Ceasefire Agreement: October 9, 2025
• Key Mediators: United States, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey