Israel receives remains of another hostage as search continues in Gaza for 15 still missing
Hamas has to return the remains of 28 Israelis who were either killed on October 7, 2023 during the terror attack, or died in the captivity in the past two years.
October 21, 2025 01:30 AM IST
First published on: Oct 21, 2025 at 01:30 AM IST
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A Red Cross vehicle carrying the remains of an Israeli hostage returned by Hamas. (Photo: Reuters)
Israeli authorities on Monday confirmed that they have received what is believed to be the remains of another slain hostage, taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023. According to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) the casket containing the remains of the unnamed hostage was handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross.
Israel to identify returned remains
The remains were later brought to Israel, and sent to the National Institute for Forensic Medicine, where identification procedures will be carried out.
🟡 The coffin of the deceased hostage, escorted by IDF troops, crossed the border into the State of Israel a short while ago and is on its way to the National Institute for Forensic Medicine, where identification procedures will be carried out.
“Israel has received, through the Red Cross, the coffin of a missing hostage who was handed over to the IDF (military) and Shin Bet forces inside the Gaza Strip,” a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office said.
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Who found the body?
It is yet unclear how and where the body was recovered as there are conflicting claims. While the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas, said in a statement that they “found the body of an Israeli prisoner today during ongoing search operations,” the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, said it had handed over the body of the hostage.
13 deceased hostages returned so far
If confirmed, this will the remains of the 13th hostage to be returned to Israel since earlier this month as part of the ceasefire deal.
On Saturday night Hamas had handed over the remains of two more slain hostages to the Israeli authorities. According to Hamas, the two bodies were retrieved on Saturday during ongoing search operations across Gaza.
As part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, Hamas has to return the remains of 28 Israelis who were either killed on October 7, 2023 during the terror attack, or died in the captivity of the militants in the past two years.
Palestinians watch members of the Hamas militant group searching for bodies of the hostages in an area in Hamad City, Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)
Hamas unable to locate more bodies
Hamas, on its part has claimed that they are unable to located the bodies of the deceased hostages due to destruction in Gaza caused by the two years of war. However, under increasing pressure from Israel, the US and Arab countries, Hamas has launched extensive search operations across Gaza, often using heavy equipment to dig through rubble and earth for the deceased hostages.
While Hamas has said it would require additional machinery to locate the remaining deceased hostages, Israel has accused the militant group of lying, saying it can return almost all of the bodies.
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A Red Cross vehicle carrying the remains of an Israeli hostage returned by Hamas. (Photo: Reuters) 
