October 15, 2025 | Jerusalem
Families of Israeli hostages have confirmed the identities of three of the four bodies handed over by Hamas on Sunday under the terms of the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and the militant group in Gaza, Israeli authorities said.
The development came as part of the latest exchange arrangement mediated by Qatar and Egypt, aimed at securing the release of living hostages and recovering the remains of those who died while in captivity.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that forensic teams at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute in Tel Aviv have verified the identities of three victims, all of whom were abducted during the October 2024 Gaza border attacks. The fourth body is still undergoing examination.
We have informed the families of three hostages that their loved ones’ remains have been identified,” the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said in a statement. “This is a painful but vital step in the ongoing process of returning every hostage — living or deceased — home.
Bodies Transferred as Part of Ceasefire Terms
According to officials, the transfer took place through the Rafah border crossing under strict supervision by Egyptian mediators and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The remains were handed over late Sunday night, shortly after the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect, marking a rare moment of cooperation amid months of brutal fighting.
Sources close to the negotiations confirmed that the transfer of bodies was one of the confidence-building measures agreed upon in the latest round of truce talks.
The return of these bodies is part of humanitarian efforts tied to the ongoing ceasefire,” said an Egyptian official familiar with the discussions. “Both sides have been urged to continue these gestures to maintain calm and pave the way for more exchanges.
Families Express Grief, Relief, and Anger
The families of the identified victims — whose names were released with permission — include Eyal Ben David (37), Naama Hirsch (29), and Daniel Cohen (42), all Israeli civilians kidnapped from the southern communities near the Gaza border during last year’s Hamas assault.
Their families expressed a mix of grief and relief at finally recovering their loved ones after nearly a year of uncertainty.
We prayed every day for their return,” said Ruth Cohen, Daniel’s mother. “We now have closure, but it breaks our hearts that this is how they came home.
Some relatives criticized the government for not doing enough to secure earlier returns. Others said they hoped the process would accelerate efforts to bring surviving hostages back safely.
Every family deserves answers,” said Eyal’s brother, Amir Ben David. “We want this truce to be used for good — to bring everyone home.
Israel’s Forensic Teams Continue Identification Work
The Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, Israel’s national forensic authority, has been working tirelessly to identify remains returned from Gaza.
Experts are using DNA testing, dental records, and biometric analysis to confirm the identities of all recovered hostages and victims. Officials said the process for the fourth body may take longer due to the condition of the remains.
The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the victims’ families were notified immediately after identification and that funeral arrangements are now being coordinated in accordance with Jewish tradition.
Israel will continue to make every effort to return all hostages and remains,” said a spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “The nation mourns with these families and shares in their sorrow.
Ceasefire Holding Amid Fragile Calm
The temporary truce, now in its third day, has largely held despite sporadic reports of gunfire along the Gaza perimeter. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of minor violations but have refrained from major escalations.
Under the current deal — brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States — Hamas agreed to release a limited number of hostages in exchange for a pause in airstrikes and the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
We are cautiously optimistic,” said Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amos Gilad, a former senior Israeli intelligence official. “These gestures, while small, can help sustain the ceasefire and lead to broader talks if both sides remain committed.
Hamas Claims Some Hostages Died in Israeli Strikes
In a statement issued from Gaza, Hamas said that several hostages held in tunnels were killed during Israeli airstrikes, including those whose bodies were returned on Sunday.
Israeli officials, however, have not confirmed those claims and accused Hamas of using hostages as human shields during months of intense fighting.
Hamas bears full responsibility for the safety of all hostages,” said Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy. “Any claim that Israeli strikes caused these deaths must be treated with caution until verified.
The IDF maintains that its military operations are conducted with precision and that Hamas has deliberately embedded its operations within civilian areas.
International Reactions and Calls for More Exchanges
The United Nations and international humanitarian groups welcomed the transfer of bodies as a “step in the right direction” but urged both parties to expand humanitarian cooperation.
Every return — living or dead — represents progress for families who have endured unimaginable suffering,” said UN Special Envoy Tor Wennesland. “We call on both sides to continue this process and prioritize the living.
The U.S. State Department also praised Egypt and Qatar for their mediation efforts, reiterating Washington’s commitment to securing the release of all remaining hostages.
The United States continues to work tirelessly to ensure every hostage is accounted for,” said spokesperson Matthew Miller. “We urge all sides to uphold the ceasefire and prevent further loss of life.
Ongoing Negotiations Behind the Scenes
Diplomatic sources say indirect talks between Israel and Hamas are continuing, focusing on a broader prisoner-hostage exchange deal that could see dozens of captives released in return for Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons.
The negotiations, however, remain delicate, with both sides under pressure from domestic constituencies and international mediators to maintain restraint.
We are dealing with a very fragile environment,” said a senior Egyptian official. “Any breakdown in trust could derail the entire ceasefire process.
A Painful Step Toward Closure
For the families of the hostages, Sunday’s development brought a measure of closure, but also renewed pain.
As funerals are prepared and national mourning continues, Israelis are once again reminded of the human cost of the Gaza conflict and the urgency of bringing the remaining captives home.
Our hearts are broken,” said Hostage Families Forum spokesperson Leah Goldin, whose own son’s remains are still in Gaza. “But we must not stop. Every day matters. Every life matters.
