Israel has been massing troops and tanks on the border with Gaza after the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7. Israeli officials have suggested it could launch a land invasion of the densely populated area with 2.3 million people.

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 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.