Israel has officially confirmed the identification of the 10th deceased hostage, Eliyahu Margalit, returned by Hamas. Margalit, 76 years old, was taken during an attack in Israel on October 7 while working at horse stables in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Israel’s Hostages and Missing Families Forum described Margalit as a dedicated worker known as “Churchill” to his loved ones. His daughter Nili, also held by Hamas, was released a month before Margalit’s death was announced in December 2023.
The exchange of hostages is a crucial element of the peace agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the devastating conflict in Gaza. Hamas delivered the remaining 20 living hostages to the Red Cross for transfer to Israel. Additionally, 28 deceased hostages were returned to Israel, with four bodies received on Monday and others being identified among the ruins of Gaza following sustained Israeli attacks since October 7.
Margalit’s remains mark the 10th to be repatriated since the recent ceasefire. While 18 other hostages are yet to be returned, efforts are underway, including the use of bulldozers, to locate additional bodies. Israel has expressed its intention to reduce aid to Gaza due to Hamas not complying with the agreed terms for returning the remains.
Recent controversy arose when one of the bodies returned by Hamas was found not to be that of a hostage, as confirmed by Israeli military examinations. Prime Minister Netanyahu urged Hamas to adhere to the ceasefire terms, brokered by former US President Donald Trump, regarding the return of all hostages’ bodies, stressing Israel’s commitment to bringing closure to all families.
Hamas, on the other hand, blamed Israel for complicating the search for bodies under the rubble. As part of the ceasefire agreement, Israel released 250 Palestinian inmates from its jails, while Gaza saw the release of 1,718 detainees.