The remains of a hostage held captive in Gaza were transferred Monday night to Israel and brought to the National Center of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv for identification and investigation, the Health Ministry said.
The transfer was coordinated by the IDF and police. The body arrived at the National Center of Forensic Medicine, where forensic specialists are working to confirm the identity and determine the cause and circumstances of death. If the identification is verified, 12 hostages known to have died in captivity will remain in the Gaza Strip.
“The teams, including forensic pathologists and laboratory staff, are prepared to respond as quickly as possible with the utmost sensitivity toward the families,” the ministry said in a statement.
Hamas told Al Jazeera that the body was located in the Tufah neighborhood of Gaza City and handed over around 9 p.m. in northern Gaza—two hours before a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump. The body was given to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which transferred it to Israeli forces. Chief Military Rabbi Brig. Gen. Eyal Karim entered Gaza with military rabbinate teams to receive the remains.
Residents of the Eshkol regional council gathered at the Nahal Oz junction to accompany the military convoy. Among them was Yael Adar, whose son Tamir was buried last week after his body was returned. “Wow, that’s how they brought Tamir,” she said. “Which family will get that news tonight?”
Israeli forces continue searching for the remains of additional hostages in Gaza. Troops are operating in the home of the al-Jamal family in the Nuseirat refugee camp, where four hostages were rescued last June during Operation Arnon. Egyptian teams have entered the territory to assist.
Meanwhile, Qatar's Al Araby TV reported that the IDF denied entry to Hamas personnel, Red Cross staff and heavy machinery into Rafah to search for the body of Lt. Hadar Goldin, saying the request was a stalling tactic. Israeli officials argue Hamas has access to remains without crossing back into Rafah.
According to Saudi outlet Asharq, Hamas informed mediators it was preparing to recover the bodies of seven to nine hostages. Thirteen remain in Gaza. Israeli officials estimate Hamas could return at least eight more bodies, including those of Goldin and Col. Asaf Hamami, and are weighing expanding the Israeli-controlled area in Gaza as a punitive measure.
A senior Hamas official told Al Aqsa TV that a shortage of equipment was delaying recovery efforts. “Progress will be significantly faster once the necessary tools are supplied,” the official said.
First published: 18:39, 10.27.25