Israel confirmed Monday that the remains of three hostages returned from Gaza are those of soldiers killed in the Oct. 7 incursion, marking another step forward for the fragile, U.S.-brokered cease-fire.
Since the cease-fire took effect on Oct. 10, Palestinian militants have released the remains of 20 hostages, with eight now remaining in Gaza.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu identified the three hostages returned as Capt. Omer Neutra, an American-Israeli, Staff Sgt. Oz Daniel and Col. Assaf Hamami. A Hamas statement earlier said their remains were found on Sunday in a tunnel in southern Gaza.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday he had spoken with the family of American-Israeli Omer Neutra, describing their relief and heartbreak. "They were thrilled, in one sense, but in another sense, obviously, it’s not too great," Trump said.
Hamas has released one or two bodies every few days. Israel has urged faster progress, and in certain cases, it has said the remains were not those of any hostage. Hamas has said the work is complicated by widespread devastation.
