Israel has received a body from Gaza, which is currently undergoing formal identification by the Israeli military. This development follows an announcement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the anticipated return of the remains of Hadar Goldin, an Israeli soldier killed in 2014.
Background on Hadar Goldin
Lieutenant Goldin was killed during an ambush by Hamas in a 2014 conflict, and his body has been held in Gaza since then. Hamas's armed wing also confirmed its intention to hand over Goldin's body on Sunday.
Ceasefire Deal Context
Should the body be confirmed as Lieutenant Goldin's, it would signify that Hamas has returned all 20 living hostages and 24 out of 28 deceased hostages under the first phase of an ongoing ceasefire agreement.
Government and Family Statements
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Lieutenant Goldin's family would now be able to provide him with a Jewish burial. He reiterated his commitment to repatriating the bodies of all deceased hostages, stating, "We have returned 250 so far. We will bring them all back." Lieutenant Goldin's family issued a statement acknowledging the anticipation for his return and requesting calm until official confirmation.
2014 Incident Details
Prior to the October 7, 2023, attack, Lieutenant Goldin was the only deceased hostage whose remains were held in Gaza. He died in combat on August 1, 2014, shortly after a ceasefire began during that year's conflict between Israel and Hamas. He was part of an Israeli patrol in an agricultural area near Rafah, southern Gaza, when attacked by Hamas fighters. The Israeli military determined that Goldin and two other soldiers were killed in a firefight, and Goldin's body was subsequently taken into an underground tunnel by the fighters. Israeli forces conducted extensive operations to prevent Goldin's capture, resulting in casualties among Palestinian civilians in Rafah over four days, including after his death was confirmed.