Israeli forces have found the bodies of soldiers who have been detained in Gaza since 2014

Netanyahu issued the statement shortly after he said the start of a Gaza ceasefire would be delayed until Hamas confirmed the names of the first hostages it planned to release in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas blamed technical problems for the failure to hand over the list, and said it was still committed to the deal.

Israel launched a campaign to destroy Hamas in response to the October 7, 2023 attack, in which around 1,200 people were killed and another 251 taken hostage.

Nearly 46,900 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the region’s Hamas-run health ministry. Most of the 2.3 million population has been displaced, there is widespread destruction, and there is a severe shortage of food, fuel, medicine and shelter due to the struggle to get help to those in need.

Israel says 94 of the hostages are still being held by Hamas, of whom 34 are presumed dead.

The first six-week phase of the ceasefire agreement should see 33 hostages – including women, children and the elderly – exchanged for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Israeli forces will also withdraw to the east, away from the densely populated areas of Gaza, while displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return to their homes and hundreds of aid trucks will be allowed to enter the territory every day.

Negotiations for the second phase – which should see the remaining hostages released, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces and a return to “sustainable calm” – will begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire.

The third and final stage will involve the reconstruction of Gaza – something that could take years – and the return of the remaining hostages’ bodies.