Israel
Hamas hands over four more bodies, but only three confirmed as Israeli hostages
Fourth body, dressed in an IDF uniform, might be that of a killed terrorist
October 15, 2025 10:54
Fourth body, dressed in an IDF uniform, might be that of a killed terrorist
October 15, 2025 10:54After returning four bodies on Monday, Hamas delivered four more to Israel on Tuesday night – but only three have been identified as those of Israeli hostages. The fourth does not match any of the captives held in Gaza, the IDF said, confirming that Hamas has once again delivered the wrong remains. In February, the terrorists also falsely claimed to have returned the body of murdered hostage Shiri Bibas; her real remains were returned only later.
The fourth body was of a Gazan wearing an IDF uniform, possibly a terrorist killed during the war, Israeli journalist Amit Segal reported on social media.
The partial handover followed Hamas’s failure to meet Monday’s deadline under the Gaza Peace Plan, which required the release of all hostages, both living and dead. Israeli media reported that Hamas has promised to deliver another four bodies on Wednesday night. In anticipation, Israel is reportedly set to open the Rafah crossing later today for aid deliveries, having previously threatened to delay the move over Hamas’s non-compliance.
Israel’s National Institute of Forensic Medicine, together with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, confirmed the identities of Staff Sergeant Tamir Nimrodi (18), Uriel Baruch (35) and Eitan Levi (53). Their remains have been returned to their families for burial.
Nimrodi was abducted alive from the Gaza District Coordination and Liaison Administration base. The IDF believes he was killed in captivity during the early stages of the war. Hostage families have said he was killed by Israeli bombings while held in Gaza, according to the Times of Israel. He is survived by his parents, Herut and Alon, and siblings, Amit and Mika.
Nimrodi had volunteered to cover Shabbat duty on October 7, 2023, and was taken barefoot, in his pyjamas and without his glasses, alongside Ron Sherman and Nik Baizer. Both Baizer and Sherman were mistakenly killed during an IDF strike.
“After two years of tormenting uncertainty, filled with hope and longing for a different ending, we received the heartbreaking news confirming the identity of our beloved Tamir. Tamir was brutally abducted from his base and murdered in Hamas captivity,” his family said.
Uriel Baruch was murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023 at the Mefalsim Junction after fleeing the Nova festival. His body was taken into Gaza. He leaves behind his wife and two children, as well as his parents and siblings.
“Dear family and friends, it is with great sorrow and deep pain that we announce the return of the body of our beloved Uriel Baruch, may his memory be a blessing, from the Gaza Strip, after nearly two long years of prayers, hope, and faith,” his family said.
Eitan Levi was also murdered on October 7, and his body taken into Gaza.
“With great sorrow and deep pain, we announce the return of our beloved Eitan Levi, may he rest in peace, from the Gaza Strip after nearly two long years. Details of the funeral and the mourning period will be provided later. We kindly ask for respect for the family's privacy during this time,” Levi’s family said.
The latest return came after US President Donald Trump reiterated Tuesday that the ceasefire deal required the release of all hostage remains.
“All twenty [living] hostages are back and feeling as good as can be expected. A big burden has been lifted, but the job is not done,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “The dead have not been returned, as promised! Phase two begins right now!!!”
Trump also issued a direct warning to Hamas, declaring that the group must give up its weapons or face being forcibly disarmed.
“We have told them we want them to disarm, and they will disarm. And if they don’t disarm, we will disarm them, and it’ll happen quickly and perhaps violently, but they will disarm,” he said. “Do you understand me?… They will disarm.”
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