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IDF Confirms Return of Two Hostage Bodies to Israel - Forensic Institute Leading Analysis
The Red Cross handed over the remains of two Israeli hostages killed in Gaza. Their coffins, received by the IDF, were escorted to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute for official identification. Thirteen hostages’ bodies are still held in the Strip.
The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed late Tuesday that Israel has received, via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the coffins of two hostages who were killed in Gaza. The remains were handed to IDF and Shin Bet forces inside the Strip and transported to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute for identification.
A military honor guard received the coffins as they entered Israeli territory. Dozens of Eshkol Regional Council residents gathered at the Gama Junction to accompany the convoy in a silent show of respect.
Following the identification process, the families of the victims will be formally notified, officials said.
“All families of the hostages whose loved ones have been confirmed as fallen have been informed,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated. “Our hearts are with them at this difficult hour. The effort to bring back all the hostages continues without pause and will not end until the last one returns home.”
The IDF urged the public and media to “act with sensitivity” and await the official identification before publishing any names.
On Monday evening, Israel received the body of Master Sergeant Tal Chaimi, a 41-year-old mechanical engineer and father of four from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, who was killed defending his community on October 7, 2023.
According to the IDF, Chaimi served as the commander of Nir Yitzhak’s emergency squad and fell in battle against dozens of Hamas terrorists during the early hours of the attack. His body was abducted into Gaza and held by Hamas for nearly two years.
Chaimi was officially declared a fallen soldier on December 13, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Ela, their four children, his father Zohar, and sister Or.
A statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum read:
“Tal was a third-generation resident of Nir Yitzhak and a man who embodied courage and devotion. He fought to the last moment protecting his home and community.”
Thirteen Fallen Hostages Remain in Gaza
Israeli officials estimate that the remains of approximately 13 hostages are still being held by Hamas in Gaza. Negotiations for their return continue through international mediators, with the ICRC serving as a key channel for humanitarian coordination.