The Prime Minister’s Office announced overnight Tuesday that the bodies of two slain Israeli hostages were returned from Gaza. They were identified as Arie Zalmanowicz, 85, and Tamir Adar, 38, both from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Their families have been notified.
With their return, 13 slain hostages remain in Hamas captivity, out of 28 whose bodies were still held when the latest agreement took effect.
“The government of Israel shares in the deep grief of the Zalmanowicz family and all families of the fallen hostages,” the Prime Minister’s Office said. “Israel’s government and all of its security and intelligence agencies are determined and committed to bringing back all the bodies of our fallen hostages for proper burial in their homeland. Hamas must fulfill its commitments to the mediators and return them as part of the agreement. We will not compromise and will continue to do everything in our power until every one of the fallen is brought home. May their memory be blessed.”
IDF: Zalmanowicz was kidnapped alive, likely murdered in captivity
According to the IDF, Zalmanowicz was abducted alive from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 Hamas terror attack. The military believes he was murdered in captivity on Nov. 17, 2023.
“The final conclusions will be reached after completion of the forensic examination at the National Center of Forensic Medicine,” the IDF said. “The military expresses its condolences to the families, continues to make every effort to bring back the fallen hostages, and is preparing for continued implementation of the agreement. Hamas must fulfill its part and take every necessary step to return the fallen hostages to their families for proper burial.”
Footage of the hostage bodies transferred to the Red Cross
Hamas first handed over the bodies to the International Committee of the Red Cross in southern Gaza, which then transferred them to IDF and Shin Bet forces inside the Strip. Around 10:40 p.m., the caskets were brought into Israel through the Kerem Shalom crossing. At Gama Junction, dozens of Eshkol residents gathered with Israeli flags to honor the returning fallen.
The Health Ministry said forensic experts at Abu Kabir will determine the precise cause and circumstances of death.
'A man of the land his entire life'
Zalmanowicz was one of the oldest hostages held by Hamas. He was kidnapped from his home and later died in captivity. More than 10 days into the war, his family released footage showing him bruised and being taken away on a motorcycle.
Farhan Kadi, one of the hostages later rescued alive from Gaza, testified that he had seen Zalmanowicz die beside him after being denied vital medication and medical care.
A founding member of Kibbutz Nir Oz, Zalmanowicz was widowed in 1997. He is survived by two sons and five grandchildren. Members of his kibbutz described him as “a man of the land who devoted his life to agriculture and field crops. He was a man of books, with deep knowledge of history and the geography of Israel.”
'A farmer and educator, a man who loved people and nature'
Tamir Adar was critically wounded on October 7 while defending his kibbutz. He was initially listed as a hostage, but after 91 days, his family was informed that he was no longer alive.
Tamir was the eldest grandson of Yaffa Adar, 85, who was also kidnapped to Gaza and later released in the November 2023 hostage deal.
Born and raised in Nir Oz, Tamir lived there with his wife Hadas and their two children, ages three and a half and seven. His last message to his wife on the morning of the massacre was: “Don’t open the door for anyone, even if it’s me asking you to open.”
Tamir was a farmer and educator, a devoted family man who loved people and nature. He was a passionate Maccabi Tel Aviv fan and was always surrounded by friends.