Does the Fourth Body Returned by Hamas Belong to Any Hostage?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The IDF verified that one of the bodies returned by Hamas is not linked to any hostages.
- Three bodies have been identified, marking a difficult moment for their families.
- Hamas is still holding the remains of 21 hostages.
- Recent public executions by Hamas highlight escalating tensions in Gaza.
- International calls for disarmament of Hamas continue amid these events.
Jerusalem, Oct 15 (NationPress) The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday that one of the four bodies returned by Hamas does not correspond to any of the hostages. In the early hours of Wednesday, Hamas delivered coffins containing four bodies, which were subsequently sent to the National Centre of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv for verification. Unlike a similar transfer on Monday, where four bodies were handed over, Hamas did not reveal the identities of the bodies beforehand.
After examinations, it was confirmed that the fourth body was not linked to any of the hostages.
In a post on X, the IDF stated, "After completing assessments at the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, the fourth body delivered to Israel by Hamas does not match any known hostages. Hamas must exert all necessary efforts to return the deceased hostages."
The other three bodies were identified as Staff Sgt. Tamir Nimrodi, 18, Uriel Baruch, 35, and Eitan Levy, 53.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir emphasized that Israel "will not rest" until all hostages are freed. "This is our moral, national, and Jewish obligation," he remarked.
According to the forces, Hamas continues to hold the remains of 21 deceased hostages, having returned seven in the last two days.
Additionally, in an unrelated event, Hamas has reportedly conducted mass public executions in Gaza to reinforce its dominance over the Palestinian territory, even as US President Donald Trump reiterated his demand for the militant group to disarm.
Graphic footage circulating on social media depicts Hamas members executing eight men in a brutal display of power resulting from recent confrontations with competing armed Palestinian factions following a truce with Israel.
In a statement lacking evidence, Hamas asserted that the men were "criminals and collaborators with Israel."