Israel announced on Thursday that one of the remaining hostages from the October 7, 2023 attack in Gaza has been returned 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. The body of Godard was found in southern Gaza, confirmed by the armed factions of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Since the ceasefire commenced on October 10, 25 hostages’ remains have been repatriated to Israel, with three still awaiting retrieval from Gaza. Godard, a former professional soccer player who later served in the Israeli military during the 1973 Mideast War, held various roles within Kibbutz Be’eri, including working at the printing press.
Under the ceasefire terms, Israel has exchanged 15 Palestinian bodies for each hostage’s remains. However, out of the 330 Palestinian bodies received by Gaza’s Health Ministry, only 95 have been formally identified. Hamas cited challenges in recovering bodies due to widespread destruction in Gaza, while Israel urged expedited returns and disputed the identity of some remains.
As part of the U.S.-brokered agreement, Hamas returned 20 living hostages to Israel on October 13. The ongoing repatriation of deceased hostages is a key aspect of the initial ceasefire phase, mandating Hamas to swiftly return all hostage remains. Despite accusations of violations from both sides, the exchanges have progressed amid the delicate situation.
Israeli authorities have accused Hamas of providing incomplete remains and staging discoveries of bodies. In response, Hamas criticized Israel for targeting civilians and impeding humanitarian aid access. While casualties have decreased since the ceasefire, Gaza reported deaths from strikes, and Israel acknowledged soldier fatalities in militant attacks.
The identification of remains handed over by Israel has been hindered by a lack of DNA testing kits, according to Gaza health officials. With just three hostages remaining, the first phase of the ceasefire is nearing completion. Subsequent steps in the 20-point plan involve establishing an international stabilization force, forming a technocratic Palestinian government, and disarming Hamas, aiming to de-escalate the conflict that resulted in significant loss of life.
