
Israel has said it decided not to allow the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt to be opened unless Hamas makes a “greater effort” on the issue of returning deceased hostages.
The Israeli defence body, Cogat, said the date for the crossing to be re-opened “for the movement of people only will be announced at a later stage”. It added that preparations were ongoing with Egypt.
As part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan, Hamas had to return 20 living hostages and the bodies of another 28 hostages.
In return 250 Palestinian prisoners and about 1,700 detainees were released by Israel.
The US is downplaying the threat to the Gaza ceasefire deal after Hamas says it needs more time to find the remaining bodies of Israeli hostages.
Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUog
For more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news
#Israel #Gaza #BBCNews