Israel Increases West Bank Activities While the UN Denounces Hamas's Handover Practices

Tel Aviv, Israel:
Israeli forensics officers are seen examining one of the three empty buses that exploded in Bat Yam, a southern suburb of Tel Aviv. The incident, which occurred after three parked buses were blown up near Tel Aviv, has intensified the government’s military operations in the West Bank. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a ramp-up of actions following the blasts, while new demands have emerged in talks with Hamas regarding the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire.

UN Condemns Hamas Handover Tactics:
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned Hamas for its public display of Israeli captives’ coffins during a handover ceremony. In a statement posted on social media, Guterres stressed that “under international law, any handover of the remains must respect the dignity of the deceased and their families.” The UN official’s remarks underscore growing international concern over practices that violate established norms of human dignity.

Analyst’s Warning on Extremism:
Al Jazeera senior political analyst Marwan Bishara cautioned viewers to remain patient before assigning blame for recent bombings of empty buses near Tel Aviv. “While extremist actions by fanatic groups are a possibility, it is important to remember that history has taught us how volatile the situation can become,” Bishara noted, alluding to the legacy of political violence in Israel during the 1990s.

Forensic Identification Underway:
Israeli authorities are employing multiple scientific methods—including CT scans, dental record comparisons, and DNA analysis—to identify the remains of hostages returned by Hamas. Chen Kugel, head of the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, explained that although advanced techniques are available, prolonged captivity complicates the identification process. “We will do everything possible, but identification isn’t always feasible after extended periods,” Kugel stated.

Far-Right Rhetoric Intensifies:
Former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has taken to social media, calling on the government to “rain hell” on Palestinians. In his recent posts, Ben-Gvir warned that signing any surrender deal with Hamas would only embolden extremist factions, asserting, “When the government bargains with the enemy, it signals a dangerous appetite for further violence.” His statements reflect the hardline stance that continues to influence political debate in Israel.

Forensic Revelations and Unanswered Questions:

In a dramatic announcement, Israeli forensic experts have confirmed that the body identified as that of captive Oded Lifshitz was, in fact, that of an individual who died more than a year ago. The revelation has added another layer of complexity to the already tangled issues surrounding the treatment and identification of captives, leaving families and officials searching for clarity.

Hindered humanitarian efforts in Gaza:
Reporting from Rafah in southern Gaza, journalist Tareq Abu Azzoum highlighted the persistent challenges in implementing the humanitarian protocol of the ceasefire agreement. Despite international pressure, Israel has yet to fulfill its obligations to permit the necessary heavy machinery and mobile shelters into the Strip. “Only a fraction of the aid needed is entering Gaza, and this threatens the stability of the ceasefire,” Abu Azzoum reported, as the humanitarian crisis deepened.

Extra Troops in the West Bank:
In a swift response to escalating violence near Tel Aviv, the Israeli military announced the deployment of additional battalions to the West Bank. Officials confirm that the forces under the “Central Command” are preparing for a broader counterterrorism operation following recent bus bombings and other violent incidents, signaling a continued state of high alert in the occupied territories.

Raids and Rising Casualties:
Overnight raids in the occupied West Bank have resulted in multiple casualties. In the village of Shabtin, a 15-year-old Palestinian was shot and killed by Israeli forces during a raid. In nearby Tulkarem, a car collision with an Israeli military vehicle injured a couple, while in Khirbet Yarza, two children were reportedly assaulted. These incidents underscore the volatile security situation and the continuing impact of military operations on Palestinian civilians.