According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), they have located the remains of the last missing hostage in the northern Gaza Strip following the October 7 attack. After a successful identification, the remains will be transferred for burial. The deceased was a former staff sergeant who is believed to have been killed on the day of the raid.
The IDF said there were several covert operations over the weekend aimed at approaching a potential burial site. Information about the body, it added, did not come from the Hamas organization.
For Israel, the recovery of any missing personnel-both living hostages and the deceased-is equally important. The Oct 7 assault launched by Hamas from the Gaza Strip resulted in the immediate deaths of roughly 1,200 Israelis. An additional 240 people were taken hostage, many of whom later perished. Over the ensuing two‑year cycle of retaliation, it is estimated that at least 62,000 people in Gaza lost their lives.