Israeli authorities have confirmed the identities of four hostages whose remains were returned from Gaza by Hamas. The victims—Itzik Elgarat, Ohad Yahalomi, Shlomo Mantzur, and Tsahi Idan—were among those abducted on October 7, 2023. Their return marks the final phase of a ceasefire deal initiated in January that saw 33 Israeli hostages returned, including both the living and deceased.
The Prime Minister’s Office stated that Yahalomi, Idan, and Elgarat were murdered while in captivity in Gaza, while Mantzur was killed during the initial attack and his body taken hostage. Their remains were identified by the National Forensic Medicine Center and Israeli police at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute.
Despite their late-night arrival in Israel, citizens lined the roads along the transport route in a display of respect and mourning.
President Isaac Herzog expressed the nation’s grief, stating, “Israeli hearts ache upon receiving the bitter news,” while also emphasizing the moral obligation to bring back all remaining hostages.
Remembering the Victims
Ohad Yahalomi (50)
A resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz, Yahalomi was a devoted family man, passionate about sports and nature. A dual French-Israeli citizen, he worked for the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and co-authored a scorpion field guide. He was taken hostage on October 7 while defending his family, and his wife and daughters managed to escape. His son, Eitan, was also abducted but later released in November 2023.
Itzik Elgarat (68)
Also from Kibbutz Nir Oz, Elgarat was a well-loved community member known for his passion for soccer and backgammon. He served as a groundskeeper and maintenance worker, bringing warmth and laughter to his kibbutz. Initially reported as injured and alive in captivity, it was later revealed that he had died of starvation.
Tsahi Idan (49)
Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nahal Oz, Idan endured a horrific ordeal. His eldest daughter, Maayan, was shot and killed through the safe room door before he was dragged to Gaza. His abduction was live-streamed on Facebook by Hamas terrorists. Despite receiving signs of life from him in November 2023, his family was informed of his death before his remains were returned. He will be laid to rest beside his daughter.
Shlomo Mantzur (85)
A survivor of the Farhud pogrom in Iraq, Mantzur was one of the founders of Kibbutz Kissufim. A skilled carpenter and dedicated worker, he was abducted in his pajamas when terrorists stormed his home. His wife, Mazal, witnessed his capture. In early 2025, Israeli intelligence confirmed his death, and his remains were returned after 510 days in captivity.
The End of a Ceasefire Phase
The return of these four hostages marks the final exchange under the January ceasefire agreement, which secured the release of 33 hostages—25 alive and eight deceased. The Israeli government continues its efforts to secure the return of all hostages, reiterating that each case remains a humanitarian priority.
The sorrow of these families underscores the brutal impact of the October 7 attacks and the ongoing conflict. Their memory serves as a solemn reminder of Israel’s enduring struggle for security and justice.
