Israeli authorities have identified the bodies of hostages Eitan Levy, Tamir Nimrodi and Uriel Baruch, whose remains were returned from Gaza overnight, nearly two years after they were abducted by Hamas during the Oct. 7, 2023, assault.
The Abu Kabir Institute of Forensic Medicine confirmed the identifications early Wednesday. One additional body returned from Gaza is still undergoing identification.
Levy, from Bat Yam, was described by relatives as a warm and devoted family man “who always cared for others before himself.” His greatest loves were his only son, Shahar, and his two dogs.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement: “The families of the hostages and the returned embrace the Levy family, whose loved one Eitan, may his memory be blessed, was brought home for a proper burial.
Alongside the sorrow and the understanding that the heart will never be whole, the return of Eitan’s body brings some measure of relief to a family that has lived with agonizing uncertainty for more than two years. We will not rest until all 20 remaining hostages are brought home.”
Levy had been listed as missing for more than 40 days after Oct. 7 before being confirmed as a hostage. Sixty-two days later, the army informed his family that he was considered a slain hostage in Gaza. He is survived by his son Shahar, fiancée Shir, and extended family members Aviva, Chen, Sani, Reef and River.
The body of IDF soldier Tamir Nimrodi, who had been classified as a hostage in critical danger, was also identified. His father, Alon Nimrodi, wrote on X, formerly Twitter:
“With heartbreaking sorrow and unbearable pain, we announce that the body of my beloved eldest son, Tamir, was returned from Gaza overnight. Details about the funeral will be shared later.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said that Nimrodi was taken hostage alive on October 7 and later was killed in captivity by IDF bombing.
Uriel Baruch, 35, from Giv’on, was kidnapped while driving home from the Nova music festival near Re’im. He is survived by his wife Racheli, two children, his parents and three siblings.
His family said in a statement: “With deep sorrow and great pain we announce the return of the body of our beloved Uriel Baruch, may his memory be a blessing, from the Gaza Strip, after nearly two long years of prayers, hope and faith.”
A memorial service was scheduled for Wednesday evening at the Netzach Uriel Synagogue in Giv’on.
Baruch’s father-in-law, Dan Entebi, wrote after the identification: “Our Uriel has come home,” adding broken-heart emojis.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said Baruch worked in the construction materials industry and loved techno music. “He was a joyful person who loved life, going out and traveling the world. He was always surrounded by friends, some of whom affectionately called him Badalo,” the group said.
Hamas has not released the names of the hostages whose bodies were returned this week, unlike in previous transfers. Israeli officials estimate that roughly half of the remaining slain hostages are still in Gaza.
The recovery effort is being coordinated with Qatari, Turkish and Egyptian mediators, and officials say the process of locating and identifying all the remains could take time.
Hamas has claimed it knows the locations of 14 of 28 slain hostages, though Israeli security officials believe the group has information about more. Defense officials caution that even after current transfers are completed, some bodies may still remain missing in Gaza.