The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Thursday that the Red Cross has handed over two coffins containing the remains of deceased hostages, which are now in the IDF’s custody in the Gaza Strip. This brings the total number of recovered remains to 15 out of the 2,800 hostages still missing, including two U.S. citizens, Itay Chen and Omer Neutra. The IDF reiterated its demand that Hamas hand over the remains of all deceased hostages, emphasizing the humanitarian significance of the operation.
The process has been marked by emotional moments and the challenges of identifying remains, as seen in the case of Ofir Tzarfati, whose remains were returned to his family in 2024 after being previously recovered in 2023. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum stated that some of Tzarfati’s remains were returned in March 2024, and Hamas published a photo of his body in August 2024. This has led to a deeply emotional response from the family, who expressed frustration with the repeated discovery and reburying of their son’s remains.
Despite the emotional toll, the IDF continues to push for the return of all missing hostages, highlighting the complex and ongoing nature of the search for the missing. The situation remains a focal point of international attention, with ongoing efforts to resolve the humanitarian crisis and provide closure to grieving families.