Israel and Egypt preparing to reopen Rafah Crossing following Gaza ceasefire

Instead, aid will continue to flow through the various crossings between Gaza and Israel, including the nearby Kerem Shalom Crossing.

Jerusalem had previously indicated that it might keep Rafah closed and reduce the flow of aid after Hamas failed to return all of the bodies of deceased hostages after the agreement of the ceasefire.

Only nine of the 26 captives confirmed dead have been released, with the terror group claiming that it is unable to access the rest as they are buried under rubble.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the main hostage advocacy organisation in Israel, called on the government to refuse to implement subsequent steps of the ceasefire deal until all bodies had been returned.

“At a time that Hamas is violating the agreements… there is no room for Israel to advance unilateral steps,” the group said in a statement.

“Any diplomatic or military action that does not ensure their return is an abandonment of Israel’s civilians.

"There will be no victory and no revival until they are all here.”

And further allegations of breaches were prompted when Israeli officials confirmed that the tenth body released by Hamas this week “does not match any of the hostages”.

Nonetheless, two Israeli sources reportedly told Reuters that the Rafah Crossing is expected to reopen by the end of the week, pending final agreements with Egypt.