Israeli President Isaac Herzog has accused Hamas of committing “a cruel act”, after the army claimed that the group handed over yesterday the body of an unidentified woman instead of a captive, Al Jazeera reports.

“The bodies of Ariel and Kfir, so pure and innocent, were identified, while their beloved mother, Shiri, remains in captivity,” Herzog said in a statement, referring to two children whose bodies were returned yesterday.

Israel claimed Hamas returned an unidentified body, not their mother — Shiri Bibas — as agreed.

He said: “This is a shocking and horrific violation of the ceasefire agreement, another cruel act by the terrorists of Hamas, who continue to show utter disregard for humanity.”