A source has revealed that Hamas is intentionally delaying the return of the remains of slain hostages Hadar Goldin and Col. Assaf Hamami. The information came to light in an interview with The Jerusalem Post, indicating that Hamas is aware of the burial sites but is stalling the process of returning the bodies to Israel.
Hadar Goldin, an IDF Lieutenant, was taken captive on August 1, 2014, during Operation Protective Edge while working to dismantle a tunnel in Rafah. Initially believed to be alive, the IDF later confirmed that he had been killed prior to his abduction. The Military Rabbinate determined that a funeral could proceed, leading to a service attended by thousands of Israelis, despite his body being held in Gaza.
Col. Assaf Hamami, commander of the southern brigade in the Gaza division, was fatally wounded on October 7, when he responded to an emergency at Kibbutz Nirim. According to a digital memorial project by KAN, he recognized the gravity of the situation and informed his fellow soldiers, “Guys, we’re at war.” His body was subsequently taken hostage by Hamas.
In a related development, Hamas announced plans to hand over the remains of an unidentified hostage on Monday evening. A member of Hamas’s Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades confirmed to Al Jazeera that these remains were discovered during excavation efforts in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City.
Hamas further communicated to Arab mediators that it is working on excavating between seven and nine bodies of other slain hostages. The source indicated that once these remains are excavated, they would be handed over to the Red Cross, although it remains unclear whether all remains will be released in one handover.
The ongoing situation highlights the complex dynamics surrounding hostage negotiations and the challenges faced by families seeking closure amidst ongoing conflict. As discussions continue, the focus remains on the safe return of all hostages and their remains.
