IDF recovers bodies of five slain Israelis killed on Oct 7 from Gaza

The IDF announced early Thursday morning that it had recovered the bodies of the murdered hostage Maya Goren, and of the fallen soldiers, Master Sergeant (Res.) Oren Goldin, Staff Sergeant Tomer Ahimas, Sergeant Major (Res.) Ravid Aryeh Katz, and Sergeant Kiril Brodski.

The five bodies were recovered near Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip during a joint army operation with the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) field analysts and coordinators.

Maya Goren (56) lived on Kibbutz Nir Oz with her husband Avner (56) and four children. She was a kindergarten teacher at the kibbutz for many years. Avner was murdered on Oct. 7, at the time of her kidnapping. In December, the IDF announced that Goren had been murdered on Oct. 7, apparently after being taken from her home, and that her body was abducted to Gaza. 

The four soldiers who were recovered had all fallen in battle during the Oct. 7 attack at the hands of Hamas terrorists, and their bodies were abducted to the Gaza Strip. 

Oren Goldin (33) lived on Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak – where he was born – with his wife, Oshrit, and twins Aviv and Ili. He was a member of the kibbutz’s emergency response team, which attempted to repel terrorists on the kibbutz on the morning of the attack. He was initially believed to have been taken alive, however, on Nov. 9, the IDF confirmed his death during the fighting. 

Ravid Katz (51) lived on Kibbutz Nir Oz with his partner Revital and was the father of three. He was an educator who worked with at-risk youth. While he was initially believed to have been captured alive, his death was announced in November. 

Kiril Brodski (19) and Tomer Ahimas (19) were active-duty IDF soldiers who responded to the Hamas attacks. Both fell during combat with Hamas terrorists and their bodies were abducted to Gaza.  

The families of the victims were all notified several hours before the announcement. 

During an IDF operation led by ISA field analysts and coordinators, the bodies of the murdered hostage Maya Goren, and of the fallen soldiers held captive MSG (Res.) Oren Goldin, SSGT Tomer Ahimas, SGT Kiril Brodski and SGM (Res.) Ravid Aryeh Katz were rescued from the Khan Yunis… pic.twitter.com/UEQ2B4WCPa

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) July 25, 2024

The rescue was conducted on Wednesday by Shin Bet and IDF soldiers from the Commando Brigade, the commando units Yahalom and Egoz, under the direction of the 98th Division. 

According to the IDF, the intelligence that led to the location of the bodies was gathered from interrogations of terrorists, along with the IDF intelligence. 

The IDF stated that, along with the Shin Bet, it “will continue to operate, using all intelligence and operational means to fulfill the supreme mission of rescuing all of the hostages.” 

The Hostages and Missing Family Forum praised the return of the bodies.

“The rescue of the bodies of the late Maya, Kiril, Tomer, Oren and Ravid is an important and decisive military move that allows their families an important closing of the circle, and eternal rest for the murdered.” 

The group also called on Netanyahu to secure the immediate return of the remaining hostages. 

“It is the duty of the State of Israel to return all of the murdered for a dignified burial, and all of the living abductees to rehabilitation – the immediate return of the 115 abductees will only be possible through a deal! The Prime Minister must send the negotiating team without delay with a clear demand to promote an immediate deal!” 

Israeli officials believe that 111 hostages abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7 remain in Gaza. However, 39 of them have been confirmed dead by the IDF.