Hamas Returns Bodies of Deceased Israeli Hostages, Identified as Zalmanovich, Adar, and Haimi

Recent Returns Under Ceasefire Agreement

The bodies of two deceased Israeli hostages, Aryeh Zalmanovich and Tamir Adar, were returned by Hamas on Tuesday evening, October 22, 2025. This follows the repatriation of another deceased hostage, Tal Haimi, on Monday, October 21. The transfers were facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), with the remains handed over inside the Gaza Strip to Israeli forces. Subsequently, the bodies underwent identification at the National Institute of Forensic Medicine at Abu Kabir in Tel Aviv, confirming their identities. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office expressed profound sorrow and reiterated the government's commitment to bringing all deceased hostages home for proper burial.

Context of the Returns

These repatriations are part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal that commenced on October 10. The agreement stipulated that Hamas would return all 28 deceased Israeli hostages. While Hamas has returned a number of bodies, including these recent ones, Israeli officials have accused the group of delays and not fully adhering to the terms. Hamas, conversely, has claimed difficulties in locating all remains due to the extensive destruction in Gaza, stating that 'significant efforts and special equipment' are needed to recover bodies buried under rubble.

Profiles of the Deceased Hostages

• Aryeh Zalmanovich: An 85-year-old founding member of Kibbutz Nir Oz, Zalmanovich was abducted from his home on October 7, 2023. He died in captivity around December 2023, approximately five weeks after his abduction. His family has stated he was 'murdered' due to a lack of proper care and medical attention while held by Hamas.
• Tamir Adar: A 38-year-old resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz, Adar was killed on October 7, 2023, while bravely defending his community against Hamas militants. He was a farmer and a third-generation member of the kibbutz, also serving as a member of its rapid response team. His body was subsequently taken into Gaza.
• Tal Haimi: A 41-year-old resident of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, Haimi was killed on October 7, 2023, while battling militants at the kibbutz's entrance. A mechanical engineer and a member of the emergency response team, his body was abducted to the Gaza Strip. Haimi was a father of four, with his youngest child born after his death.

Ongoing Efforts and Statements

The Israeli government has consistently affirmed its determination to retrieve all remaining deceased hostages. The return of these bodies brings some closure to their families, who have endured prolonged periods of uncertainty since the October 7 attacks. The process of returning all deceased hostages continues to be a critical component of the ongoing ceasefire agreement, with international pressure remaining on all parties to ensure its full implementation.