Breaking Update
Return of a deceased hostage: Prime Minister’s Office announcement – 18 October 2025
Israel receives deceased hostage's coffin via Red Cross, handed over in Gaza. IDF to transfer it for military ceremony and forensic examination. Ongoing effort
Prime Minister’s Office (translated from Hebrew):
Israel has received, via the Red Cross, the coffin of a deceased hostage, which was handed over to an IDF and ISA force inside the Gaza Strip.
From there, the coffin will be transferred to Israel, where it will be received in a military ceremony led by an IDF rabbi.
It will then be transferred to the Health Ministry National Center of Forensic Medicine. Upon completion of the identification process, a formal notification will be delivered to the family.
All of the hostages‘ families have been updated accordingly, and our hearts are with them in this difficult hour. The effort to return our hostages is ongoing and will not cease until the last hostage is returned.
The public is requested to respect the families’ privacy and to refrain from spreading rumors and unofficial and unverified information.
We will continue to provide updates with reliable information as necessary.
