Israel Releases Video Of Hamas ‘Staging’ Recovery Of Hostage Ofir Tzarfati’s Remains

Last Updated:October 29, 2025, 09:32 IST

The remains in question are believed to belong to Ofir Tzarfati, an Israeli hostage whose partial remains had previously been recovered by Israeli forces in 2023.

Screengrab From Drone Footage Showing Hamas ‘Staging’ Hostage Recovery in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Hamas has staged the discovery of hostage remains in Gaza to create a false impression of compliance with ceasefire terms regarding the return of deceased hostages.

According to the IDF, drone footage shows Hamas operatives exhuming and reburying a body before summoning representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to witness what appeared to be the “recovery” of a hostage’s remains.

The IDF, in a post on X, said, “Hamas are lying about our hostages and here’s the proof.”

IDF video

The IDF released a 15-minute video on Tuesday, reportedly filmed in Gaza City, showing three men dragging a white shroud into a bulldozed plot of land near a building. The men then covered the shroud with dirt before a bulldozer was seen piling soil over it.

Moments later, Red Cross officials arrived on the scene as the same shroud was pulled from the earth. The footage appears to show the body being buried and uncovered once again while someone nearby films the scene on a mobile phone.

The IDF claimed that the operation was “a staged performance designed to deceive observers into believing that Hamas was actively locating and recovering hostage remains”.

Hamas are lying about our hostages and here’s the proof:Yesterday, Hamas terrorists were filmed removing body remains from a prepared structure and re-burying them nearby, before summoning Red Cross representatives to stage a false “discovery” for photographers.Despite… pic.twitter.com/c9CkJo3msW— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 28, 2025

What Red Cross said

The ICRC confirmed its team had been present at the scene but denied any prior knowledge of what had taken place.“It is unacceptable that a fake recovery was staged, when so much depends on this agreement being upheld and when so many families are still anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones,” the Red Cross said in a statement.

According to information from the Red Cross, a coffin containing the remains of a deceased hostage was later transferred into its custody and handed over to the IDF in Gaza. The coffin has since crossed into Israel and is being taken to the National Institute for Forensic Medicine for identification.

What do we know about the Israeli hostages?

The remains in question are believed to belong to Ofir Tzarfati, an Israeli hostage whose partial remains had previously been recovered by Israeli forces in 2023. The IDF claims Hamas manipulated the situation to “fabricate evidence of cooperation” under the ceasefire terms.

Israeli officials have accused Hamas of withholding information about other deceased hostages while exploiting their remains for political gain.

The revelations have reignited anger within Israel, particularly among hostage families, who are demanding a tougher stance against Hamas.

Reports suggest Israeli leaders are considering retaliatory steps, including tightening restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza and resuming targeted airstrikes on Hamas positions.

General About the Author

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public…Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public…

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