BREAKING: The Red Cross has just received the remains of a body that Hamas claims is Hadar Goldin, an Israeli soldier killed in 2014. This significant development comes after Hamas announced on Saturday that they discovered Goldin’s remains in a tunnel located in Rafah, Gaza.
Goldin was killed on August 1, 2014, just two hours after a ceasefire took effect during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. His remains have been held in Gaza for nearly 11 years, making this a pivotal moment for his family and Israel. If confirmed, Goldin’s identification would leave four bodies of hostages remaining in Gaza.
During a cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed that the prolonged holding of Goldin’s body has caused “great agony” for his family, who will now be able to give him a proper Jewish burial. The Goldin family has led a high-profile campaign to recover their son’s remains, and this development could bring closure to an emotionally charged chapter.
Earlier this year, Israel successfully recovered the remains of another soldier killed in the same conflict. Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to continue efforts to repatriate other Israelis, including Eli Cohen, an Israeli spy executed in Damascus in 1965.
Israeli media reports indicate that Hamas has been delaying the release of Goldin’s body in hopes of negotiating safe passage for more than 100 militants trapped by Israeli forces in Rafah. However, Israeli officials, including Gila Gamliel, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, have made it clear that Israel will not engage in negotiations that compromise existing agreements.
As hostilities continue in Gaza, Hamas has acknowledged clashes in the area but refrained from commenting on any potential exchange of Goldin’s body for its fighters. Since the ceasefire began, militants have released the remains of 23 hostages, and under the ongoing truce agreement, further remains are expected to be returned.
In a grim update, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that the death toll in the ongoing conflict has risen to 69,176, with the remains of 300 individuals returned and 89 identified so far.
This latest development surrounding Hadar Goldin underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the complex negotiations taking place in the region. As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes will be on the identification process and the possible implications for future peace talks.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation.
