Israel announced on Thursday that the body of one of the remaining hostages from the October 7, 2023, attack in Gaza has been surrendered by militants. The individual was identified as Meny Godard, who was taken from Kibbutz Be’eri in southern Israel, where his wife, Ayelet, was tragically killed during the incident.
Subsequently, on Friday, Israel returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza, as confirmed by officials at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The armed factions of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad stated 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. There are still three hostages in Gaza awaiting recovery and handover.
Godard, a former 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 their printing press.
As part of the ceasefire agreement, Israel has been exchanging 15 Palestinian bodies for each hostage’s remains. The Gaza Health Ministry reported receiving a total of 330 bodies, with only 95 being formally identified thus far.
Hamas cited challenges in recovering bodies due to the extensive damage in Gaza. Israel has pushed for expedited returns and, in some instances, contested the authenticity of the remains handed over.
Under the ceasefire terms, Hamas handed over 20 living hostages to Israel on October 13. The ongoing exchange of remains constitutes a key element of the U.S.-brokered agreement, mandating Hamas to promptly return all hostage remains. Despite accusations of violations from both sides, the exchanges have proceeded.
Israeli officials have accused Hamas of providing partial remains and fabricating the discovery of bodies. In turn, Hamas has criticized Israel for targeting civilians and impeding humanitarian aid flows into Gaza. Although casualties have decreased post-ceasefire, Gaza officials report ongoing deaths from strikes, while Israel acknowledges military losses in militant attacks.
Health authorities in Gaza highlighted the complexity of identifying remains due to the lack of DNA testing kits.
With only three hostages remaining, both parties are nearing the conclusion of the initial ceasefire phase. Subsequent steps in the 20-point plan involve establishing an international stabilization force, forming a technocratic Palestinian government, and disarming Hamas.
The delicate agreement aims to de-escalate the conflict triggered by the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and 251 hostages, according to Israeli estimates. In response, Israel launched a significant military operation that led to over 69,100 Palestinian fatalities in Gaza, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry.