Families Forum: Returned Body Belongs To Eliyahu Margalit

Jerusalem, 18 October, 2025 (TPS-IL) — The Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced early this morning that the body returned shortly after midnight by Hamas belongs to Eliyahu Margalit, a 75-year-old man who was murdered on October 7, his lifeless body transported to Gaza and held there ever since.

A Hamas spokesman said last night that the terrorist organization “remains committed to implementing the agreement by handing over an Israeli hostage.” He claimed that Hamas would work to complete the process.

So far, 10 of the 28 dead hostages have been returned to Israel. A few days ago, Hamas handed over the bodies of the dead hostages Inbar Hayman and IDF Brigadier General Mohammed al-Atrash.

With the return of the two bodies, Hamas claimed that it had returned all the hostages, living and dead, “to whom it had access.” However, Israel insists that Hamas can return more abductees and dead. Israel is outraged by Hamas’ violation of the Gaza agreement and has so far prevented the opening of the Rafah border crossing.

US President Donald Trump has warned Hamas that if it does not fulfill its commitment, he will allow Israel to resume its operation inside the Gaza Strip.