In a shocking incident captured on drone footage, alleged Hamas members in Gaza City’s Shejaiya neighborhood buried and then uncovered the remains of an Israeli hostage, all while Red Cross staff watched but could not step in. The Israel Defense Forces released the video on October 28, 2025, calling it a staged act to mislead about hostage recovery efforts under a recent peace deal.
This event unfolded amid ongoing tensions in the Israel-Hamas conflict, where hostages remain a key issue. The remains belonged to Ofir Tzarfati, whose body was mostly recovered by Israeli forces back in 2023, raising questions about Hamas tactics and the challenges faced by aid groups like the Red Cross.
What the Drone Video Shows
The footage, shared by the IDF, depicts masked men in military and civilian clothes carrying a shrouded body from a building to a nearby pit. They bury it under dirt and rocks by hand.
A bulldozer then moves the body and some soil to the building’s front. Soon after, three people in red International Committee of the Red Cross vests arrive at the site.
The video, which includes edits, continues with the men placing the body on a dirt mound and burying it again. Minutes later, a man with a shovel uncovers part of the body while the Red Cross staff observe from a short distance.
A person identified as a photographer films this second unearthing. The IDF says this proves Hamas tried to fake a discovery to appear cooperative.
CBS News verified the location in Gaza City but could not confirm the exact date or the men’s identities independently.
Red Cross Explains Its Role
The Red Cross stated its staff “were not able to intervene directly on-site” during the event. They raised concerns with involved parties.
In a rare public comment, the group called the act “unacceptable” and criticized Hamas for staging the recovery. This highlights the dangers aid workers face in conflict zones.
Red Cross teams often act as neutral facilitators in hostage handovers, but they lack authority to stop actions by armed groups. Their presence aims to ensure safe transfers, yet this case shows limits to their influence.
Families of hostages expressed frustration, noting how such stunts delay real progress in returns.
IDF Accuses Hamas of Deception
Israeli officials labeled the incident a “clear violation” of a U.S.-brokered peace agreement. The deal requires Hamas to return remains of 13 deceased hostages still in Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called an emergency meeting to discuss responses. The IDF said Hamas refuses to release bodies as agreed, using them for propaganda.
The video was filmed in Shejaiya, a hotspot for clashes. Israeli forces have conducted operations there since the war began in 2023.
This is not the first time accusations of staging have surfaced. Past reports detail Hamas using hospitals and civilian areas for military purposes.
Here are key elements from the IDF’s claims:
- Hamas removed the body from a building near the meeting spot.
- They buried and uncovered it to simulate a fresh find.
- A photographer documented the scene, suggesting media manipulation.
- The act aimed to pressure Israel in negotiations.
Background on the Hostage Involved
Ofir Tzarfati was kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. His body was recovered by IDF troops soon after, but partial remains surfaced in this handover.
His family identified the remains after Hamas passed them through the Red Cross on October 27, 2025. They described the event as “cruel games” that reopen wounds.
Tzarfati’s case is part of over 100 hostages taken in 2023. As of October 2025, about 100 remain in Gaza, with efforts ongoing for their release.
Recent deals have freed some, but deceased hostages’ returns lag. Families push for full accountability.
Broader Impact on Peace Efforts
This incident risks derailing fragile ceasefires. The U.S.-mediated deal, signed in early 2025, aimed to end hostilities and secure hostage releases.
Experts say such deceptions erode trust. Analysts note rising civilian involvement in Gaza, with mobs sometimes surrounding hostage transfers.
International groups call for better protections for aid workers. The United Nations has urged probes into violations.
| Timeline of Key Events | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| October 7, 2023 | Hamas attacks Israel, kidnaps hostages including Ofir Tzarfati. | |
| Late 2023 | IDF recovers Tzarfati’s main body during Gaza operations. | |
| Early 2025 | U.S.-brokered peace deal requires return of deceased hostages’ remains. | |
| October 27, 2025 | Hamas hands over partial remains via Red Cross in staged event. | |
| October 28, 2025 | IDF releases drone video exposing the staging. | |
| October 29, 2025 | Red Cross issues statement on inability to intervene. |
Global Reactions and Next Steps
World leaders condemned the act. The U.S. State Department called it a setback to diplomacy.
Social media buzzed with outrage, showing clips of past hostage handovers amid crowds. Public sentiment pushes for stronger international action.
Aid organizations stress neutrality but face growing risks. This could lead to revised protocols for future operations.
As tensions simmer, focus turns to upcoming talks. Will this prompt tougher stances or renewed negotiations?
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