Israel has received the body of Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, a soldier killed in a Hamas ambush in 2014 whose remains had been held in Gaza since then.
The Israeli military confirmed the 23-year-old soldier was formally identified and will now be buried in Israel, bringing closure to his family after an 11-year wait. The return was part of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, which has now returned all living hostages and most deceased captives under the agreement’s first phase.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who kept Goldin’s picture in his office throughout the years, stated “we didn’t give up” on bringing him home. The recovery followed extensive intelligence efforts and operational activities during the recent conflict.
Four hostages – three Israelis and one Thai national – reportedly remain in Gaza as efforts continue for their return.
