Foreign Secretary calls for return of hostage bodies from Gaza to allow familes chance to grieve

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has called for the immediate return of the hostages who died in Hamas’ captivity, stressing that their families must be given the chance to grieve for their loved ones.

Writing for Jewish News Cooper emphasised the UK’s ongoing commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution and paid tribute to the resilience of hostage families.

The cabinet minister  highlighted the “strength and determination of hostage families who have tirelessly campaigned for the release of their loved ones.”

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Reflecting on the recent release of 20 hostages, she said, “After two long years of waiting, seeing the release of the 20 hostages being returned to their loved ones yesterday is a hugely moving and powerful moment.”

However, Cooper acknowledged that the suffering is not over for everyone.

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“While yesterday marked the end of this ordeal for some, we must remember those whose loved ones were taken hostage on October 7th and have not returned alive,” she said.

“We mourn with the families of all hostages who have died in Hamas’ captivity. I cannot imagine what they and their families have gone through.

“The remains of the hostages who died in captivity must now be returned, so their families can grieve. We will stand with them in mourning those they have lost.”

On Tuesday the International Committee of the Red Cross  (ICRC)  said that it will take time to hand over the remains of Israeli hostages in Gaza, calling it a “massive challenge” given the difficulties of finding bodies amid the territory’s rubble.

“That’s an even bigger challenge than having the people alive being released. That’s a massive challenge,” the ICRC’s spokesperson Christian Cardon said.

“I think that there is clearly a risk that that will take much more time. “What are we telling the parties is that that should be their top priority,” he said.

Cardon added that it could take days or weeks and that there was a possibility they were never found.

Among those freed is Avinatan Or, who has strong links to the UK.

Cooper noted, “The hostages who have now been freed have endured the most appalling two years, and it’s with great relief that they are now safely home.”

She also thanked President Trump and other negotiators for their roles in securing the hostages’ release.

Cooper paid further tribute to the families of those affected, saying, “I also want to pay tribute to their families, who have shown such strength and determination to get their loved ones home under the most unimaginable circumstances.

“Having met with the loved ones of those held by Hamas, I have heard first-hand of the horrific ordeal they have been through.”

Looking ahead, the Foreign Secretary stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and implementing the peace plan, including the restoration of aid.

“Alongside regional partners, the UK will continue to do all it can to ensure President Trump’s peace plan succeeds and delivers a lasting solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” she said.