IDF returns the body of a fallen soldier abducted to Gaza Strip on Oct 7

Israel Defense Forces returned the body of a fallen Israeli soldier who was abducted on Oct. 7 and had since been held in the Gaza Strip, the army announced on Wednesday evening. His family was notified but has requested his name not be published.

The soldier was killed on Oct. 7 during the Hamas invasion in southern Israel. His body was abducted to the Gaza Strip.

The operation to recover the soldier’s body was led by the 162nd Division along with IDF and ISA (Shin Bet) special forces. The intelligence effort that led to the discovery of the body was conducted by the IDF Hostage and Missing Persons Unit together with Shin Bet and the Israel Police. 

A military source revealed that information leading to the discovery of the body was obtained during the recent interrogation of a Gazan terror suspect. The source also clarified that the fallen soldier was not located in a tunnel.

Israeli media reported that the body was found buried in an unmarked grave.

Following the recovery of the body, the IDF Manpower Directorate's Hostage and Missing Persons Center, which is responsible for accompanying the families of the hostages, identified the soldier and informed his family. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent condolences to the soldier's family and thanked the security forces.

“The heart of the entire nation grieves over the terrible loss. My wife Sara and I convey our heartfelt condolences to his family,” Netanyahu said.

“Israel will continue to do all it can to return hostages home, those who are alive and those who have fallen.” 

In a post on 𝕏, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the operation “reflects our commitment to bringing all the hostages home.” 

I commend the IDF and ISA forces who conducted a bold operation to retrieve the body of a fallen soldier from Gaza, and brought him home for burial in Israel. The soldier fell in combat during the Hamas attack on October 7th.

This operation reflects our commitment to bringing…

— יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) August 28, 2024

While welcoming the return of the body, the Hostage Families Forum insisted a hostage deal was necessary to secure the release of the remaining hostages. 

“In the last few days, the number of hostages dropped from 115 to 107. Let’s not get confused, the hostages don’t have time to wait for rescues! The immediate return of the 107 hostages will only be possible with a deal!” the forum said in a statement. 

At the end of the operation, 103 of the initial 251 hostages abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7 remain in Gaza. According to the IDF’s estimates, 33 of those hostages are deceased.

Additionally, Hamas is also holding two Israeli civilians who entered Gaza on their own in 2014 and 2015, as well as the bodies of two Israeli soldiers killed in fighting during 2014. 

The IDF also announced the death of two additional soldiers on Wednesday: Master Sgt. (res.) Yohay Hay Glam (32) of the Jerusalem Brigade’s 6310th Battalion, and Staff Sgt. Amit Friedman (19) of the Nahal Brigade’s 932nd Battalion. 

With their deaths, 342 soldiers have died in the Israeli ground campaign, Operation Iron Swords.