During Monday’s edition of CNN’s “The Lead,” Eliav Benjamin, Israel’s Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington, D.C., discussed the complexities surrounding the ongoing hostage situation with Hamas. He noted that while Hamas was allotted 72 hours to return the remains of deceased hostages, the situation is far more intricate than it appears on paper. “We are holding them accountable,” Benjamin emphasized, pointing out that a similar 70-hour period had been given the previous week.

Benjamin expressed a blend of emotions, stating, “It’s a bittersweet moment for us. On one hand, we are elated with the release of 20 living hostages and the return of four deceased ones. The President’s visit to Israel, though brief, has been remarkable, and it brought people out to celebrate in the streets. However, we are still awaiting the return of 24 more deceased hostages and are eager to see through the next phase of this arrangement.”

Phil Mattingly, the host, inquired about the situation with the 24 unrecovered bodies, questioning whether the 72-hour deadline signifies a breach of the agreement. He asked, “Does this indicate that the deal has been violated at some level?”

In response, Benjamin reiterated, “Indeed, we were given a 72-hour timeframe. It’s crucial to remember that a similar 70-hour period was also set a week prior. The reality on the ground is far more complex than what any agreement might suggest. We are holding Hamas responsible and expect them to honor their commitments fully. We urge the international community to exert pressure on Hamas, as they did during negotiations, to ensure the completion of this deal until every last hostage is accounted for.”