Body of Abducted Israeli Dror Or has been Returned from Gaza After 781 Days

The remains of Dror Or, 48, abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, 2023, were returned to Israel on Tuesday after more than two years in the Gaza Strip. Or was murdered during the Hamas-led attack and later taken into Gaza by Islamic Jihad militants. He was located in the Nusayrat area in central Gaza, according to the organization.

The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the identification of the body by the National Center for Forensic Medicine.

“The government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Or family and all the families of the abductees and the martyrs,”
the statement read.

Kibbutz Be’eri: “A Painful Circle Closed After 781 Days”

Kibbutz Be’eri issued an emotional statement embracing the family:

“For the Or family, this is the closing of a circle they have awaited for 781 painful days. Dror was an exemplary family man, a devoted friend and a kind, gentle soul. He loved good food, basketball and travel. He practiced and taught yoga, and was deeply committed to the Be’eri Dairy, where he served as headman and chef.”

“May You Find Solace in Bringing Him Home”

Ofer Gitai, director of the Be’eri community, addressed Dror’s children Yahli, Noam and Alma, and the extended family:

“We hope you may now find solace in bringing your father to be buried in the Be’eri soil he loved so much, next to your beloved mother, the late Yonat. May Dror’s return help you find some peace after nearly 800 days of grief.”

IDF: “Dror Was Murdered on October 7

An IDF spokesperson detailed the chain of events:

• Dror was kidnapped from his home in Be’eri and murdered on the morning of October 7.

• His body was taken to Gaza by Islamic Jihad.

• His death was formally determined on May 2, 2024.

The IDF said it “shares the family’s sorrow” and remains committed to securing the return of all deceased abductees as part of the ongoing agreement.

The Headquarters of the Families of the Abductees issued a statement:

“Alongside the deep sadness and the understanding that the heart will never be whole, the return of Dror is a balm for a family that has lived in tormenting uncertainty for more than two years. We will not rest until the last of the abductees returns.”

Dror was initially declared missing and abducted; 208 days later, the family was informed he was no longer alive.

A Family Torn Apart

Dror leaves behind three children — Yahli, Noam and Alma. His partner, Yonat Or, was also murdered on October 7.

Noam and Alma were kidnapped and later released in the first hostage deal on November 25, 2023. Upon their return, they learned for the first time that their mother had been killed.

Dror had managed the Be’eri Dairy for 15 years, producing boutique cheeses. His family described him as “a man of peace, creativity and love.”
His eldest son, Yahli, survived the massacre because he was away on a year of service.

The Search and Return

Dror’s father, Yuval, said last month that he knew it would take time to bring his son home because he was believed to be in a “known but extensive” area within Gaza. The family received periodic updates but feared renewed fighting could jeopardize the recovery.

His brother Elad spoke last Saturday in Hostages’ Square:

“We are tired and have been through so much, but we have no choice but to believe. We must not let the fragile ceasefire collapse. Not a single day of search and rescue efforts can be wasted.”

Two Abductees Remain in Gaza

Two bodies of abducted individuals are still held in Gaza:

Maj. Gen. (res.) Ran Gueili, 24

A fighter in the YSM unit, killed defending Kibbutz Alumim.
Despite having a broken shoulder and awaiting surgery, he joined the fighting and saved dozens of Nova festival survivors before falling.
He leaves behind his parents, Itzik and Talic, and siblings Omri and Shira.

A Thai agricultural worker murdered in the Be’eri orchards on October 7 and abducted to Gaza.
He had lived in Israel since 2017, supporting his family back home.