Bodies of slain soldiers Oz Daniel, Asaf Hamami and Omer Neutra Returned to Israel

The remains of three IDF soldiers abducted and killed on October 7, 2023, have been positively identified following their return from Hamas captivity, the Prime Minister’s Office announced Monday.

The soldiers are Col. Asaf Hamami, commander of the Gaza Division’s Southern Brigade; Capt. Omer Maxim Neutra, a U.S.-born lone soldier; and Sgt. First Class Oz Daniel.

The Prime Minister’s Office stated: “The Government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Hamami, Neutra, and Daniel families, and of all the families of the abducted fallen. The government and the entire hostage return apparatus of the State of Israel are determined, committed, and working tirelessly to return all our abducted fallen for proper burial in their homeland. The Hamas terror organization is required to uphold its commitments to the mediators and return them as part of implementing the agreement — we will not compromise on this and will spare no effort until we return all the hostages, down to the very last one.”

The IDF noted that according to existing intelligence, Col. Asaf Hamami, who served as commander of the Southern Brigade in the Gaza Division, fell while fighting in Kibbutz Nirim on the morning of October 7, 2023, and his body was abducted by Hamas.

Asaf was among the first to arrive at the combat zones and fight, and the first to declare war. He was 40 at the time of his death, leaving behind parents, a sibling, a wife, and three children.

Sgt. First Class Oz Daniel served as a fighter in Battalion 77, Sa'ar Maglan. He fell during a defensive battle in the Gaza border communities on the morning of October 7, 2023, and his body was abducted by Hamas. Oz was 19 at the time of his death; his death was determined on February 25, 2024. He left behind parents and a twin sister.

Capt. Omer Maxim Neutra immigrated to Israel from the U.S. as a lone soldier through the Tzabar program, served as a platoon commander in Battalion 77, Sa'ar Maglan Formation. He fell during a defensive battle in the Gaza border communities on the morning of October 7, 2023, and his body was abducted by Hamas. His death was determined on December 1, 2024. Omer Z”L was 21 at the time of his death, leaving behind parents, two brothers, and two sisters.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Colonel Assaf Hamami's family.

Netanyahu offered his condolences on behalf of himself, his wife, and the entire nation of Israel, saying he embraces the bereaved family with love and solidarity.

Assaf’s mother, Klara, thanked the IDF soldiers, security forces, and the Prime Minister for bringing her son back to be laid to rest in Israel.

Later today, the Prime Minister is expected to speak with the families of Staff Sergeant Oz Daniel and Captain Omer Neutra.