Israel confirms remains of 3 hostages returned

Israeli officials have confirmed that the remains returned by Hamas belong to three hostages captured by the group in October 2023, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Monday.

According to Israeli officials, the Red Cross transferred the bodies to Gaza and delivered them to the IDF and security agencies. The deceased have been identified as 21-year-old Captain Omer Neutra, 19-year-old Corporal Oz Daniel, and 40-year-old Colonel Assaf Hamami. Colonel Hamami is the highest-ranking Israeli officer killed by Hamas. After forensic checks and identification, officials informed the families and confirmed the repatriation.

Health officials said the bodies have reached the national forensic centre for investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of death. Experts will present their findings to the families for full clarity. Hamas claimed it found the bodies in a tunnel route in southern Gaza. When the ceasefire began, Hamas was holding 48 hostages in Gaza, including 20 confirmed alive. Since then, the group has released surviving hostages and has been gradually handing over the remains of those who died.

Israeli officials accuse Hamas of delaying the process, while Hamas says rubble from Israeli strikes makes recovery difficult. The group has requested more equipment and support from mediators and the Red Cross to locate bodies. Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza hope the current truce will lead to a complete Israeli withdrawal and relief from months of destruction and displacement. Residents in northern Gaza say life remains unbearable as troops maintain positions inside the enclave.