A Palestinian Arab source involved in sensitive negotiations for the return of hostages and fallen soldiers claims that the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization is holding at least two of the four bodies of deceased hostages still in Gaza. This report suggests that the custody of the remains is split between the terrorist organizations, complicating efforts to retrieve them.
The source indicated that while Islamic Jihad has refused to hand over the bodies thus far, the group is believed to be "nearing a breaking point" on the matter.
In the wake of Lieutenant Hadar Goldin's recent return, mediators have intensified pressure on Hamas to account for and release the remaining four bodies to enable the subsequent phase of the agreement, which is expected to include the commencement of Gaza’s reconstruction efforts. Turkey is reportedly leading the pressure campaign on Hamas, an initiative that is primarily being driven by the United States.
Hamas has consistently claimed to be experiencing difficulty locating the four remaining deceased hostages in the Gaza Strip.
The Four Who Await Return
The four individuals whose bodies remain held in Gaza represent diverse stories of the October 7 massacre and the lingering national pain:
- Master Sergeant Ran Gvili (24): A member of Israel’s elite police counterterror unit, Gvili was known for his determination. On October 7, while recovering from a leg injury, he self-discharged from the hospital and drove south to defend Kibbutz Alumim. He was killed in the fierce fighting, and his body was taken into Gaza. His family was notified of his death in January 2024.
- Dror Or (45): A beloved culinary producer from Kibbutz Be'eri, Dror's wife, Yonat, was murdered in their home, and his two children, Noam and Alma, were abducted. The IDF confirmed in May 2024 that Dror was killed on October 7 and his body was taken to Gaza. His daughter, Alma, later referred to her father as "the heart of our home."
- Meny Godard (73): A lifelong member of Kibbutz Be’eri, Menachem Godard was murdered alongside his wife, Ayelet, by Islamic Jihad terrorists. While Ayelet’s remains were recovered, Meny’s body was taken into Gaza. A man known for his kindness and dedication to his community, his family continues to campaign for his return for a proper burial.
- Sudthisak Rinthalak (43): Known as “Tong,” Rinthalak was one of approximately 30 Thai agricultural workers murdered during the attacks. He was working on Kibbutz Be’eri to support his family in northeastern Thailand. Israeli authorities confirmed in May 2024 that he had been killed and his body seized. His father described him as the "backbone of the family."
The families of the remaining hostages continue to be active in advocacy groups, their stories serving as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the war and the enduring quest for closure for a nation still waiting for its loved ones to be brought home.
