Israel receives remains of hostage — a military officer killed in 2014 war — from Gaza | World News

The family members of slain hostage Israeli-American Staff Sgt. Itay Chen attend his funeral, at Kiryat Shaul Cemetery in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, after his body was returned Gaza. (AP Photo)

Israel has received the remains of a deceased hostage from Gaza, the Israeli government said on Sunday, the Reuters reported.

Prime Miner Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that the remains were handed over to Israeli forces inside Gaza the International Committee of the Red Cross. Officials said the remains have not yet been formally identified.
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Hamas’ armed wing had earlier said it would hand over the body of Hadar Goldin, an Israeli military officer killed during the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas.

Since a ceasefire began on October 10, part of a peace plan brokered US President Donald Trump to end the conflict that started in 2023, Hamas has released 20 living hostages. In return, Israel has freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and wartime detainees.

The agreement also includes the exchange of remains, with 28 deceased hostages to be returned to Israel in exchange for the remains of 360 Palestinian militants held Israel.

Before Sunday’s handover, Israel had received the bodies of 23 hostages, while Gaza health authorities said Israel had returned the remains of 300 Palestinians, though not all have been identified.

Palestinian militants took 251 hostages, both living and deceased, during the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023. Four others were already held in Gaza before that assault.