Hamas said it will hand over the bodies of two hostages later on Saturday, after Israel warned that the main crossing from Egypt into Gaza would remain shut until the Palestinian group returns the remains of all deceased captives.

Israel said on Thursday it was preparing for the reopening of Gaza's Rafah crossing with Egypt to let Palestinians in and out, but set no date as it traded blame with Hamas over violations of a U.S.-mediated ceasefire.

The Israeli government has signalled that the Rafah border crossing could reopen as soon as Sunday, as aid trucks line up after crossing from the Egyptian side. Meanwhile, Zikim Beach, north of the Gaza Strip,

Israel had threatened to keep Rafah shut and reduce aid supplies because Hamas was returning bodies too slowly.