The IDF announced that it has taken possession of the coffin of an Israeli hostage who was murdered in captivity. The body was handed over by the Hamas terror group to the Red Cross, which subsequently transferred it into the care of Israeli forces.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, “Israel has received, via the Red Cross, the coffin of a fallen hostage, which was handed over to an IDF and ISA force inside the Gaza Strip. From there, it will be transferred to Israel, where it will be received in a military ceremony with the participation of an IDF rabbi.”
Following the dignified military reception, the coffin will be brought to the National Center of Forensic Medicine under the Health Ministry. “It will then be transferred to the Health Ministry National Center of Forensic Medicine. Upon completion of the identification process, formal notification will be delivered to the family. All of the hostages’ families have been updated accordingly, and our hearts are with them in this difficult hour. The effort to return our hostages is ongoing and will not cease until the last hostage is returned,” the statement continued.
The government called upon the public to act with restraint and sensitivity during this painful time. “The public is requested to respect the families’ privacy and to refrain from spreading rumors and unofficial and unverified information. We will continue to provide updates with reliable information as necessary.”
The IDF likewise urged the public to wait for the official identification to be completed before sharing any information, emphasizing that the families will be notified first.
In its own statement, the IDF pressed the terrorist organization to honor its obligations: “Hamas is required to uphold the agreement and take the necessary steps to return all the deceased hostages.”
{Matzav.com}
