In an effort to alleviate tensions surrounding a delicate ceasefire with Israel, Hamas expedited the return of deceased hostages’ bodies on Tuesday. This move followed an announcement from an Israeli military agency, which stated it would reduce aid shipments to Gaza by half due to concerns that Hamas was not returning the remains as swiftly as previously agreed.

The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed late Tuesday that it had facilitated the transfer of four deceased hostages to Israeli authorities, adhering to the terms of the ceasefire agreement. This handover occurred just a day after Israel received the remains of four other hostages.

The United Nations’ humanitarian office in Gaza, grappling with severe food shortages, was informed of the impending reduction in aid by the Israeli military agency responsible for aid transfers. This was confirmed by spokesperson Olga Cherevko.

The agency, known as COGAT, indicated in its communication that only 300 trucks per day would be permitted to enter Gaza, a decrease from the 600 trucks stipulated in the ceasefire deal.

In its notification, the agency known as COGAT said it would allow 300 trucks a day instead of the 600 called for under the deal.

US officials were also notified, according to three Associated Press sources who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter.

US President Donald Trump expressed concern in a social media post that too few of the dead hostages have been returned. He made no mention of Israel halving the flow of aid into the territory.

Trump also warned Hamas that if “they don’t disarm, we will disarm them.

A day earlier, Israelis celebrated the return of the last 20 living hostages in Gaza and Palestinians rejoiced at Israel’s release of some 2,000 prisoners and detainees as part of the ceasefire’s first phase.

Families of hostages express dismay

Hamas and the Red Cross have said that recovering the remains of dead hostages is a challenge because of Gaza’s destruction, and Hamas told mediators of the deal that some are in areas controlled by Israeli troops.

The U.S.-proposed ceasefire plan called for all hostages living and dead to be handed over within 72 hours, meaning on Monday.

But it provided a mechanism if that didn’t happen, saying Hamas should share information about deceased hostages and “exert maximum effort” to carry out the handover as soon as possible.

Families of hostages and their supporters expressed dismay that only four of the 28 bodies were returned on Monday. The Hostages Family Forum, representing many families, called it a “blatant violation of the agreement by Hamas.”

The top official in Israel coordinating the return of hostages and the missing, Gal Hirsch, told the families in a note that pressure was being applied on Hamas through mediators to expedite the process. A copy of the note was seen by the AP and its authenticity was confirmed by someone with knowledge of the statement.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concern in a social media post that too few of the dead hostages have been returned. He made no mention of Israel halving the flow of aid into the territory.

Trump also warned Hamas that if “they don’t disarm, we will disarm them.”

Israel confirms identities of returned hostages

Illouz was abducted from a music festival, Joshi from a bomb shelter and Sharabi from Be’eri Kibbutz during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that ignited the war.

Israel said Illouz died of his wounds without proper medical treatment, while Joshi was killed in the war’s first months.

Families left waiting expressed concern.

Ela Haimi said she didn’t know if the body of her husband, Tal, would be returned by Hamas in a few hours, days or ever. “I am afraid they will stop the return,” she said. Tal Haimi was killed while defending his kibbutz during the 2023 attack.

The freed Israeli hostages were in medical care, and some families said it would be weeks before the men could go home.

Dalia Cusnir-Horn said brother-in-law Eitan Horn had lost more than 40% of his body weight after receiving very little food in the last few months. The physical toll was only part of the trauma, she said.

“He’s just learning now … friends he knew that were murdered, and he had no clue how many people were kidnapped on that day and what this country went through, and it’s overwhelming and it’s hard,” Cusnir-Horn said.

Moshe Levi spoke of brother-in-law Omri Miran’s elation at playing with his young daughters — one less than a year old when her father was taken hostage.

“He could feel like he’s a father again,” Levi said.