Israel announced on Thursday that one of the remaining hostages from the October 7, 2023 attack in Gaza has been returned by militants. The body was identified as Meny Godard, who was abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri in southern Israel, where his wife, Ayelet, was killed.
In a reciprocal gesture, Israel returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza, according to officials at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The armed wings of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad confirmed that Godard’s body was found in southern Gaza.
Since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas commenced on October 10, a total of 25 hostages’ remains have been repatriated to Israel. Three hostages’ bodies are still pending recovery and transfer from Gaza.
Godard, formerly a professional soccer player who later served in the Israeli military during the 1973 Mideast War, had various roles at Kibbutz Be’eri, including working at the printing press.
Under the ceasefire terms, Hamas has returned 20 living hostages to Israel. The repatriation of deceased hostages is a crucial aspect of the U.S.-brokered agreement, aiming for the swift return of all hostage remains. Despite accusations of violations from both sides, the exchanges have been ongoing.
Israel has been releasing 15 Palestinian bodies for each hostage’s remains as part of the agreement. The Gaza Health Ministry reported receiving 330 bodies, with only 95 being formally identified.
Hamas has cited challenges in recovering bodies due to extensive damage in Gaza, while Israel has urged expedited returns and disputed the identities of some remains.
The ceasefire deal stipulates the return of all hostage remains by Hamas, with ongoing exchanges amidst reported violations by both sides. Identification of remains in Gaza is hindered by a lack of DNA testing kits, as per health officials.
Looking ahead, the ceasefire’s next phases involve establishing an international stabilization force, setting up a technocratic Palestinian government, and disarming Hamas. The agreement seeks to de-escalate the conflict triggered by the Hamas-led attack that resulted in numerous casualties and hostages.