Israel Identifies Bodies of Two Hostages Returned From Gaza

The transfers form part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that has been strained by violation disputes and restricted access at Rafah.

Overview

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the remains as Aryeh Zalmanovich, 85, and Sgt. Maj. Tamir Adar, 38, following forensic identification.
Zalmanovich was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz and died in captivity on November 17, 2023, while Adar was killed defending the kibbutz on October 7, 2023, and his body was taken to Gaza.
Two coffins were handed to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza on October 21, transferred under IDF escort into Israel, and taken to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, with families accompanied.
With these identifications, Hamas has returned 15 of the 28 bodies it committed to deliver in the first phase of the ceasefire; all 20 living hostages were released on October 13.
Hamas has not publicly identified the latest remains and says recovery of bodies is difficult in the rubble, as Israel alleges repeated ceasefire violations, conducts strikes after reported attacks, and restricts aid via Rafah.