Hamas Hands Over Bodies of Two More Hostages to Israel
On Wednesday night, Hamas transferred the remains of two more hostages to Israel, with 19 individuals still held in Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed on Thursday that forensic analysis had identified one of the deceased as Major Mohammed al-Atresh. Additionally, Inver Hayman, a 27-year-old creative, was the last female hostage remaining in Gaza. IDF intelligence indicated that she was killed during the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023, with her body subsequently taken to Gaza.
Hayman’s death was officially reported on December 15, 2023, and she is mourned by her family.
Al-Atresh, originally from the Bedouin village of Sawa in the Negev, served as a tracker with the IDF’s Northern Gaza Brigade. He died in combat on the morning of the festival attack, with his remains also taken to Gaza.
He was 39 at the time of his death, which was pronounced on June 24, 2024. He leaves behind a large family, including two wives and thirteen children.
The Hostage and Missing Families Forum honored the two victims, highlighting Hayman’s contributions as a writer and artist who brought energy and warmth to the Nova Festival, as well as her volunteer work. Al-Atresh was remembered as a devoted family man with dreams of managing a horse farm and a livestock ranch.
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed condolences to both families, referring to them as heroes in a post on X. Katz recounted moments with Al-Atresh’s family, recalling their efforts to advocate for the return of the hostages, including discussions with international officials about the importance of prioritizing female hostages.
In light of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, there are ongoing calls for Hamas to return all remaining hostages held in Gaza.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office reiterated their firm stance on Hamas’ obligations under the agreement, stating they would spare no effort to ensure the return of all remains and hostages.
Earlier on Wednesday, reports circulated in Arab media indicating that five bodies would be returned, although only two were transferred to Israel. Alongside the two hostages, Hamas returned the remains of a local man.
On Tuesday, four bodies had already been released as part of the process that began following the release of the twenty living hostages after a ceasefire took effect on October 10.
In a response at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the ongoing efforts to locate additional remains, describing the situation as tragic and noting the complexities of recovering bodies from various locations, some of which had been buried for extended periods.
