On Saturday, it was confirmed that the most recent remains transferred by Hamas, facilitated by the Red Cross, belonged to a deceased hostage.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified the individual as Eliyahu Margalit, widely known as “Churchill,” who was killed during the assaults on October 7, 2023. The IDF further emphasized that “Hamas must uphold its obligations under the agreement and take the necessary actions to return all hostages to their families for a proper burial.”
According to Israel, Margalit met his death at the horse stables in Kibbutz Nir Oz, and his remains were subsequently transported to Gaza, where they were held for over two years. The IDF had initially confirmed Margalit’s passing in December 2023.
Nili Margalit, Eliyahu Margalit’s daughter, was also abducted but was set free during the short ceasefire in November 2023. He is survived by his wife, three children, and grandchildren.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office stated, “The government of Israel expresses its profound condolences to the Margalit family and all families of the deceased abductees.” It added, “The government and the entire Israeli Public Security Bureau remain resolute, dedicated, and are striving ceaselessly to bring back all our fallen abductees for a dignified burial in their homeland.”
Family members of Margalit recounted that he had gone to feed his cherished horses early on the morning of October 7, and the horses were reportedly taken alongside him, according to reports. The publication further noted that Margalit had managed the kibbutz’s cattle for numerous years.
“Our dear Eli has come home, 742 days after his murder and abduction from Kibbutz Nir Oz. We extend our gratitude to the people of Israel and the Hostage Families Forum for their assistance in the prolonged effort for his repatriation, and we pledge not to cease our efforts until every last hostage is brought back for burial in Israel,” the family conveyed in a statement, as reported by The Times of Israel.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, formed following the October 7 massacre, extended its sympathies to Margalit’s family.
“The families of both the hostages and those who have been released offer their support to the family of Eliyahu ‘Churchill’ Margalit during this challenging period, after their beloved Eliyahu z”l was returned to Israel last night for a proper burial,” the forum communicated. “While acknowledging their sorrow and the realization that their hearts will forever bear a wound, Eliyahu’s repatriation offers a degree of comfort to a family that has endured unimaginable uncertainty and apprehension for more than two years. Our efforts will continue unabated until all 18 hostages are reunited with their homes.”
The forum highlighted that Margalit was fundamentally “a cowboy” and was associated with “Riders of the South,” an organization that has gathered horseback riding aficionados for over five decades.
Margalit marks the tenth deceased hostage to be identified, with the remains of eighteen other individuals still located in Gaza. Among the deceased hostages whose bodies have yet to be repatriated are Itay Chen, 19, and Omer Neutra, 21, both of whom hold U.S. citizenship.