Israeli military says it has remains of Ronen Engel, one of two bodies returned by Hamas late on Saturday
Israel’s military has identified one of two dead hostages returned by Hamas, amid ongoing tensions over the Gaza ceasefire and a dispute over the reopening of the Rafah border crossing to allow in more aid.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said early on Sunday it had told the family of hostage Ronen Engel that his remains had been returned. The 54-year-old was killed during the 7 October attacks at Nir Oz kibbutz and his body was taken into Gaza.
Engel was a photojournalist and volunteer ambulance driver for Magen David Adom. His death was confirmed in December 2023. His wife, Karina, and two daughters, Mika and Yuval, were also kidnapped but were returned during a deal in November 2023.
The office of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the return of Engel’s remains and reiterated its determination to secure the return of all hostages left in Gaza.
