Israel announced on Thursday that the remains of one of the last four hostages from the Oct. 7, 2023, Gaza attack have been surrendered by militants. The individual was identified as Meny Godard, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Be’eri in southern Israel. His wife, Ayelet, tragically lost her life during the same attack.
Following this, on Friday, Israel returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza, according to officials at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The armed factions of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad confirmed that Godard’s body was found in southern Gaza.
Since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began on Oct. 10, a total of 25 hostages’ remains have been repatriated to Israel. Currently, there are three more hostages’ bodies in Gaza awaiting retrieval and handover.
Godard, a former professional soccer player turned Israeli military member who served in the 1973 Mideast War, had various roles in Kibbutz Be’eri, including working at the printing press.
Under the ceasefire terms, Israel has been releasing 15 Palestinian bodies for each hostage returned. Despite challenges due to the extensive damage in Gaza, the process continues. Both sides have accused each other of violating aspects of the agreement, although exchanges of remains persist.
The next steps of the ceasefire plan involve establishing an international stabilization force, setting up a technocratic Palestinian government, and disarming Hamas. The aim is to de-escalate the conflict that began with the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages. Israel’s response with a military offensive led to significant Palestinian casualties in Gaza, highlighting the devastating toll of the conflict.
