Israel Identifies Remains of Two More Hostages Returned from Gaza

Israel’s military announced on Wednesday that the remains of two additional hostages repatriated from Gaza have been formally identified as belonging to Aryeh Zalmanovich and Master Sergeant Tamir Adar. The discovery marks another sombre chapter in the ongoing efforts to recover those killed or abducted during the October 2023 Hamas attacks.

According to a statement issued by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), the two men were taken from the kibbutz of Nir Oz, one of the hardest-hit communities in the Hamas assault of 7 October 2023.

In its statement, the IDF expressed condolences to the families and reiterated its “unwavering commitment” to retrieving all remaining hostages, living or deceased, from the Gaza Strip.

The remains were returned on Tuesday, as part of the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which also included terms for the release and repatriation of hostages.

Under the agreement, Hamas committed to releasing all hostages — both living and deceased — by 13 October 2025.

Before the latest transfer, 13 of the 28 promised bodies had already been returned. Hamas cited “logistical challenges” and “difficulties locating remains” amid the devastation in Gaza as reasons for the delay in meeting the agreed schedule.

“Many of the areas where hostages were held or buried have been destroyed by airstrikes and ground fighting, making recovery efforts extremely difficult,”
— Hamas statement via Gaza media office

The repatriations come as Israel and Hamas continue to implement fragile ceasefire terms, including coordinated humanitarian operations and limited border openings. The Red Cross facilitated the return of the remains, ensuring proper handling and identification under international humanitarian law.

The Israeli military noted that efforts to locate and return all missing hostages — including those presumed dead — remain a top national priority.

“The State of Israel will not rest until every hostage is brought home,”
— Israeli Defence Forces statement

The announcement underscores both the human toll of the Gaza conflict and the complex logistics involved in implementing ceasefire arrangements, as families on both sides continue to seek closure amid the devastation.