A body returned to Israel from Gaza overnight is not that of a hostage, the IDF said Wednesday, clarifying that only three of the four remains handed over by Hamas belonged to Israelis abducted during the Oct. 7, 2023, assault. The identified hostages were Eitan Levy, Tamir Nimrodi and Uriel Baruch.
The Abu Kabir Institute of Forensic Medicine confirmed the identifications early Wednesday. The fourth body, initially believed to be that of another hostage, was determined after examination not to be Israeli. Authorities have not provided additional details about the body’s identity or circumstances of its transfer.
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 the family had lived with “agonizing uncertainty for more than two years” and that the return of his body “brings some measure of relief.”
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 Israel Defense Forces informed his family that he was considered a slain hostage in Gaza. He is survived by his son, fiancée and extended family.
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: “With heartbreaking sorrow and unbearable pain, we announce that the body of my beloved eldest son, Tamir, was returned from Gaza overnight.” The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said Nimrodi was taken alive on Oct. 7 and later killed in captivity.
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. “With deep sorrow and great pain we announce the return of the body of our beloved Uriel,” his family said in a statement. A memorial service was scheduled for Wednesday evening at the Netzach Uriel Synagogue in Giv’on.
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. Officials say the process of locating and identifying all the remains could take time, as many are believed to be buried in unmarked sites or under collapsed structures.
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 remain missing in Gaza.