Israel on Monday returned the remains of 15 Palestinians to Gaza after militants released the remains of a hostage Sunday.

A top confidant to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who played a leading role in Jerusalem’s October ceasefire negotiations team, resigned from his ministerial post.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to carry out “forceful” strikes in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, threatening the already fragile ceasefire between Israel and

There are now believed to be four deceased hostages still inside Gaza following Sunday's return of the body of Hadar Goldin, an Israeli soldier killed in 2014.

It was the latest attempt by Trump to intervene in the case on behalf of Netanyahu, raising questions about undue American influence over internal Israeli affairs. Trump also called for a pardon for Netanyahu during a speech to Israel's parliament last month, when he made a brief visit to promote his ceasefire plan for the war in Gaza.