While an Israel Democracy Institute study found that national mood is trending upwards, 72. 5% of Israelis expressed doubt that Hamas will be replaced by a multinational ruling body.

Hamas has said the return of the remaining bodies "may take some time" due to the destruction wrought in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday instructed the country's military to "carry out powerful strikes in Gaza," a statement from his office said, in response to alleged ceasefire violations by Hamas.

The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas, handed over the bodies of two Israeli prisoners.

The UAE Humanitarian Ship carrying 7,200 tonnes of food, shelter, and medical supplies has arrived at the Port of Al Arish in the Arab Republic of Egypt, ahead of its transfer to the Gaza Strip to help meet urgent humanitarian needs.