Netanyahu says hostage remains returned by Hamas overnight were recovered almost two years ago

Egyptian machinery and workers search for the bodies of hostages in Hamad City, Khan Younis on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that the remains of a hostage returned by Hamas overnight are body parts of a hostage who was recovered in Gaza by Israeli troops almost two years ago – an announcement that will likely rattle the tenuous, U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement.

The Israeli military recovered the bodies of some 51 hostages during the two years of the Israel-Hamas war in the coastal territory. Netanyahu called the return of body parts a “clear violation” of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement by Hamas.

Stay up to date on Gaza and the Israel-Hamas war, including the ground offensive, ceasefire talks and the continuing famine.

There are still 13 bodies o