On Sunday, a statement from the Prime Minister’s office confirmed Israel had received the remains of three Israeli hostages from Hamas via the Red Cross, noting their recovery by IDF and Shin Bet forces within the Gaza Strip.
The statement indicated that a military ceremony, officiated by the chief military rabbi, would be held to honor the bodies.
Subsequently, the remains are to be transferred to the Ministry of Health’s National Center of Forensic Medicine for identification. Official notifications will be sent to the families once this process is finalized, according to the statement.
All families of the deceased hostages have already been notified. The government conveyed profound condolences, with the statement asserting its “hearts are with them at this difficult time.”
The official statement also reiterated Israel’s unwavering commitment to the return of all hostages, declaring that efforts would proceed “relentlessly and will not cease until the last hostage is brought home.”
The Israeli public was additionally urged to respect the sensitivities surrounding the situation and refrain from disseminating unverified information, with official sources designated as the sole providers of updates.
This remains a developing story. Further details will be provided as they emerge.