Body of Kidnapped Victim Returned to Israel; Search for Remaining Hostages Continues in Gaza

The body of an abducted Israeli was returned to Israel from the Gaza Strip on Monday evening, marking another stage in the ongoing operation to recover the remains of hostages still held by Hamas.

The Red Cross transferred the coffin to IDF and Shin Bet forces inside Gaza, after which it was brought to the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Abu Kabir for identification.

According to Al Jazeera, a senior Hamas military official said the organization had located the body in Gaza City before handing it over.

Widow of Tamir Adar Pays Respects: “I Will Be Here Until the Last Kidnapped Returns”

Among those who came to honor the returned victim was Yael Adar, widow of Tamir Adar, the kidnapped resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz whose body was recovered earlier this week.

“I came here to receive whoever arrives,” she told Walla. “I wish I could receive all thirteen today. I’ll stay here until the last abductee comes home. I’m on the side of the families.”

Adar said that when she learned her husband’s remains had been identified, she realized “this is the least I can do for the others — to stand here and receive them.”

Hamas Reportedly Locating Additional Bodies

A source involved in the recovery efforts told the Saudi newspaper Al-Sharq that Hamas informed mediators it is in the process of retrieving seven to nine additional bodies of kidnapped victims, after identifying their locations in several areas of the Gaza Strip.

Earlier Monday, Hamas handed over maps to the Egyptian search team working on the recovery, according to Al-Hadath. The search operations are currently concentrated in Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza.

International and Regional Coordination Expands

The latest developments come amid mounting pressure from Israel and the United States, who maintain that Hamas knows the precise locations of the remaining bodies.

Egypt has taken a more active role in the search, following Hamas’ claims that it was struggling to locate the remains. Meanwhile, the Qatari Al-Araby channel reported that Red Cross vehicles entered the Rafah area to assist in locating and retrieving the remaining bodies.

In a rare move, representatives of Hamas’ “shadow unit” were reportedly permitted to enter IDF-controlled Rafah, accompanied by Red Cross and Egyptian personnel, to aid in the recovery operation.