Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hamas of a "clear violation" of the Gaza ceasefire deal by releasing remains of a hostage already recovered by troops nearly two years ago.

The Israeli prime minister warned that Israel would respond after he discusses "next steps" with his defence chiefs later on Tuesday.

Far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir urged him to take tough action.

Mr Netanyahu 's threat increases fears over the sustainability of the three-week-old truce.

Thirteen hostages' bodies are still thought to be in the enclave and Israel has accused Hamas of deliberately stalling.

All 20 living hostages have already been freed in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, but the remains of the dead have been slow to be repatriated.

Hamas has said there

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