TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Palestinian militants have released 13 bodies of hostages held in Gaza over the past two years, as part of a ceasefire agreement stemming from the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. However, the return of the final 15 hostages' remains, as stipulated in the truce deal, has now hit a snag. Hamas states that the remains are buried beneath rubble from Israel's two-year offensive in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Israel has accused the militants of delaying the process and has threatened to resume military operations or restrict humanitarian aid if the remains are not returned.
Hamas previously freed the last 20 living hostages taken during its attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. In exchange, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners were released. Amid these developments, attention has turned to the hostages whose remains have yet to be repatriated.
One of the deceased is Tamir Adar, 38, a farmer and third-generation member of kibbutz Nir Oz. He was known for his love of hiking and spending time in nature with his children. Adar, who was part of the kibbutz's emergency response team, left his family in their safe room to defend the community during the attack. His last message to his wife urged her not to open the door to anyone, even if it was him. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Sahar Baruch, 25, lived in Kibbutz Be'eri and was a science enthusiast with aspirations for an electrical engineering degree. He was at his mother’s house during the attack, alongside his brother, who was killed. Approximately three months into his captivity, Israeli forces reported that Sahar had been killed during a rescue attempt. He is survived by his parents and two siblings.
Itay Chen, 19, an Israeli American, was taken hostage with his tank battalion on October 7. He had a passion for basketball and human biology. Originating from Netanya, Itay was killed during the attack, and his body was subsequently taken to Gaza. He is survived by his parents and two brothers.
Amiram Cooper, 84, a founding member of kibbutz Nir Oz, was an economist and author. He was abducted from the kibbutz on October 7, alongside his wife, Nurit, who was released after 17 days. Amiram was later confirmed dead by Israeli authorities in June 2024. He is survived by his wife, three children, and nine grandchildren.
Oz Daniel, 19, was an Israeli soldier killed during the October 7 attack. He was a talented guitarist and had aspirations to become a professional musician. His body was transported to Gaza with others. He is survived by his parents and twin sister.
Meny Godard, 73, known for his past as a professional soccer player and military service during the 1973 Mideast War, was killed on the day of the attack, leaving behind four children and six grandchildren.
Hadar Goldin, 23, was an Israeli soldier whose remains have been held in Gaza since before the current conflict; he was killed on August 1, 2014. His family marked over 4,000 days since his capture earlier this year. He is survived by his parents and three siblings.
Ran Gvili, 24, part of an elite police unit, died while assisting others during the October 7 attack, and his body also ended up in Gaza. He is survived by his parents and sister.
Col. Assaf Hamami, 41, commander of the Israeli military’s Southern Brigade since 2022, was among those killed early in the conflict, leaving behind his wife and three children.
Joshua Loitu Mollel, 21, a Tanzanian agricultural student, was abducted shortly after arriving in Israel and tragically murdered by militants. He is survived by his parents and four siblings in Tanzania.
Omer Neutra, 21, an Israeli American, was killed in the attack. His family has been actively campaigning for the return of all hostages and has been vocal in protests regarding the situation.
Dror Or, 52, was a father of three and a dairy farmer who was killed on the same day as the attack. His wife was also killed while they sought refuge. Two of their children were abducted but later released.
Sudthisak Rinthalak, an agricultural worker from Thailand, was also among those whose bodies remain in Gaza. His family and the Thai Foreign Ministry have confirmed multiple casualties of Thai citizens during the conflict.
Lior Rudaeff, 61, an Argentine immigrant and emergency responder, died in the confusion of the attack, and is survived by four children and three grandchildren.
Arie Zalmanovich, 85, passed away during captivity, reportedly five weeks into being held by militants. He is survived by two sons and five grandchildren.
With the return of these remains stalled and tensions remaining high, the situation continues to unfold amidst ongoing negotiations for peace and the return of all hostages.
