Return of deceased hostages: Prime Minister’s Office announcement – 19 October 2025

The Prime Minister’s Office, this morning (Sunday, 19 October 2025) [translated from Hebrew]:

Israel has received, via the Red Cross, two coffins containing the remains of deceased hostages, which were handed over to an IDF and ISA force inside the Gaza Strip. From there, the remains will be transferred to Israel, where they will be received in a military ceremony led by the IDF Chief Rabbi.

They will then be transferred to the Health Ministry National Center of Forensic Medicine.

Upon completion of the identification process, formal notification will be delivered to the families.

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.