Israeli Military Confirms Three Hostages Returned, Another Alleged Gazan

The Israeli military saluted the four coffins of the hostages. (Source: IDF)

JAKARTA - The Israeli military said its representatives had informed the families of Tamir Staff Sergeant Nimrodi (18 years),aturah Baruch (35) and Eitan Levy (53) that their bodies were returned by Hamas last night and had been identified by forensic experts.

The Hamas and Israeli groups agreed on a first-stage ceasefire agreement last week, with US, Egyptian and Qatar mediators. The return of the living and dead hostages will be followed by the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Tuesday night, Hamas returned four bodies to the red Cross to be handed over to Israel.

Their families were told "after the identification process was complete," the Israel Defense Force (IDF) said.

Neither the IDF nor the Prime Minister's Office mentions the fourth body handed over by Hamas, which is thought to belong to a Palestinian.

"The Israeli government also felt deep sorrow from the families of Baruch, Nimrodi, and Levy, as well as all the families of the hostages who died," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

Nimrodi, who was kidnapped alive from the Coordination and Liaison Administration to the Gaza Strip base near the Erez Cross on October 7, 2023, is thought to have died in detention at the start of the war, the military said.

To date, Israel has not confirmed its death.

"The final conclusion will be formulated after the completion of the examination of the cause of death" at the Abu Kabir, the IDF said.

Baruch, according to IDF intelligence, was killed by Hamas on October 7 near Mefalsim after fleeing Nova's music festival near Reim, and his body was taken to Gaza.

The IDF said, according to its intelligence, Levy was also killed by Hamas on October 7 near Mefalsim, and his body was taken to Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's (PMO) office warned Hamas was "required to fulfill its commitment to mediators and return (the remaining bodies) as part of the implementation of the agreement."

"We will not compromise on this and will make every effort until we can bring back all the hostages who died," PMO promised.

On Monday, Hamas handed over the bodies of four of the 28 hostages who were killed, leaving Israel and the families of 24 other hostages accused the terror group of violating its commitments by ceasefire.

Meanwhile, 20 hostages who have been alive since being held hostage on October 7, 2023 have been completely released on the same day.