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The Israeli military has identified the remains of Aryeh Zalmanovich, 85, and Master Sergeant Tamir Adar, 38, who were abducted , attacks. Their return is part of a US-brokered ceasefire deal, bringing the total number of deceased Israeli hostages transferred by Hamas to 15 out of 28.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, that they have formally identified the bodies of two more hostages, Aryeh Zalmanovich and Master Sergeant Tamir Adar, returned by Hamas on Tuesday. Zalmanovich, 85 at the time of his death, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz and died in captivity on November 17, 2023. Adar, 38, a member of Nir Oz's community security squad, was killed fighting Hamas gunmen during the October 7, 2023, attack, and his body was subsequently taken.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the transfer of the coffins from the Palestinian territory to Israeli troops. This brings the total number of deceased Israeli hostages returned by Hamas under the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire deal to 15 out of 28.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated significantly following the October 7, 2023, attacks, during which Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups abducted 251 people from Israel into the Gaza Strip. The return of hostages, both living and deceased, has been a central component of various ceasefire negotiations.
A previous ceasefire in November 2023 saw the release of over 100 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Another ceasefire in January 2025 led to the release of 33 Israeli and 5 Thai hostages by Hamas, with Israel releasing approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
The current US-brokered ceasefire deal, which commenced on October 10, 2025, outlined a phased framework for a cessation of hostilities and the exchange of hostages and prisoners. Key provisions include the release of Israeli detainees, an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas.
The agreement also stipulates the return of deceased hostages. Hamas had previously handed over a Palestinian body, stating it was accidental due to difficulties in locating remains amidst the devastation in Gaza. Israel, in turn, has been returning the bodies of deceased Palestinians, with 15 bodies transferred for every Israeli hostage's remains.
The families of the hostages have been persistent advocates for their return, with their stories widely known in Israel. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has expressed both relief at returns and dismay when agreements were not fully met, such as when fewer deceased hostages were returned than expected.
The ICRC's role in these exchanges is crucial, acting as a neutral intermediary to facilitate the safe transfer of individuals. They do not participate in negotiations but provide essential logistical support once agreements are reached.
Hamas has cited logistical difficulties in locating bodies due to the extensive damage in Gaza, which has been devastated by over two years of conflict. This has led to delays in the full implementation of the agreement regarding the return of all deceased hostages.
Uncertainty also remains regarding the broader peace plan, including the disarmament of Hamas, the deployment of an international security force in Gaza, and the future governance of the territory.
The focus remains on the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, particularly the return of the remaining 13 deceased Israeli hostages. The ongoing efforts by the Red Cross and other international bodies to facilitate these transfers will be closely monitored. Further negotiations are anticipated to address the long-term stability and governance of Gaza.
