The Israel Defense Forces announced Monday evening that it has taken possession of the body of an Israeli hostage, handed over by the Red Cross after being collected from Hamas operatives earlier in the day.
“The IDF requests that people act with sensitivity and await the official identification that will first be given to the families of the hostages. Hamas is required to abide by the agreement and to make all necessary efforts to return the fallen hostages,” the military said in a statement.
A short time later, the army clarified: “According to information provided by the Red Cross, a coffin of a deceased hostage has been transferred into its custody and is on the way to IDF troops in the Gaza Strip. Hamas is required to uphold the agreement and take the necessary steps to return all the hostages.”
Following the arrival of the coffin to Israeli forces, the Chief Military Rabbi is expected to lead a brief service, which will include the recitation of Tehillim and the draping of the Israeli flag over the coffin.
{Matzav.com}
