Israel has received the remains of a body identified as another deceased hostage from Gaza. This transfer, conducted by Hamas through the Red Cross, occurred on the night of March 13, 2024. It marks the third such transfer within a week as Israel continues to seek information regarding the long-held remains of other hostages.
The latest remains will be sent to the national forensics laboratory for identification. If confirmed, this would leave six deceased hostages still unaccounted for in Gaza. The previous day, the body of Itay Chen, the last Israeli-American citizen held captive, was returned to Israel. Earlier in the week, Israel received the remains of three other hostages, including Omer Neutra, another Israeli-American.
New Intelligence on Longest-Held Remains
Israeli sources suggest that new intelligence has emerged regarding the location of the longest-held remains in Gaza. Specifically, they believe that the remains of Lt. Hadar Goldin, who was killed during the final days of the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas, are likely held in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. This area allegedly houses up to 200 Hamas militants who are reportedly using underground tunnels.
Despite these claims, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) clarified on March 10, 2024, that they possess “no information” indicating that Goldin’s body is stored within the tunnels alongside Hamas operatives. This statement contrasts with reports circulating in Israeli media.
Discussions also continue regarding an Egyptian proposal that would allow safe passage for these militants to Hamas-controlled areas of Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to make a decision on this matter, with an Israeli security official stating that a determination would be made at a later date.
In a public address on March 10, Netanyahu acknowledged the presence of isolated Hamas cells, stating, “There are still Hamas pockets in the areas under our control in Gaza, and we are systematically eliminating them. There are two in Rafah and in Khan Younis, and they will be eliminated.”
Public Reaction and Ongoing Negotiations
Goldin is notably the only deceased hostage taken before October 7, 2023. On March 13, his brother expressed strong sentiments on social media, stating, “It is forbidden to allow the 200 any passage until the return of Hadar and the remaining hostages… Any concession would be an abandonment.”
As the situation develops, it remains imperative for Israel to navigate both the humanitarian aspects and the national security concerns surrounding these hostage negotiations. The return of the deceased remains continues to evoke deep emotional responses among families and the broader Israeli public, amplifying the urgency for resolution.
This situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will follow as new information becomes available.
