Last Gaza Hostage Remains Returned to Israel
The Israel Defense Forces said they have recovered and repatriated the remains of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza, bringing an end to the hostage issue stemming from the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas. The remains were identified after a military operation in Gaza and returned to Israel for final rites.
End of Hostage Chapter
Israeli officials said the individual was among those taken during the Hamas-led assault and was killed during the initial phase of the conflict. With this recovery, authorities confirmed that no Israeli hostages are believed to be held in Gaza anymore, either alive or deceased.
Ceasefire Context
The return of the remains comes amid an ongoing ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Hamas, under which several hostages were earlier released or repatriated in phases. Israeli leaders described the recovery as a solemn moment, marking closure for the families affected by the hostage crisis.
Officials said attention will now shift to broader ceasefire implementation, humanitarian arrangements, and future security measures related to Gaza. The military said operations to locate missing persons will continue if new information emerges.
