Sun Nov 09 14:00:41 UTC 2025: The Hindu: Remains Believed to Be Israeli Soldier Hadar Goldin Recovered in Gaza

TEL AVIV – November 9, 2025 – The Red Cross has received remains in Gaza believed to be those of Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin, who was killed in 2014 and whose body has been held by Hamas for the past eleven years. Hamas claims to have found Goldin’s body in a tunnel in Rafah, two hours after a ceasefire was agreed upon.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the “great agony” of Goldin’s family, who have long campaigned for his return. The remains are being transferred to Israel for forensic identification. If confirmed, this would bring the number of Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza to four.

Israeli media suggest Hamas may have been delaying the release of Goldin’s body to leverage negotiations for safe passage for militants trapped in Rafah. Innovation Minister Gila Gamliel stated that Israel is not negotiating for a “deal within a deal.” Hamas has not commented on potential exchanges.

Since the ceasefire began last month, militants have released the remains of 23 hostages. In exchange, Israel has returned the remains of 300 Palestinians, with 89 identified.

The war began in October 2023 and has resulted in over 69,176 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

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