Hamas Returns Bodies of Two More Hostages as Recovery Mission Continues

Israel on Thursday confirmed the return of the bodies of two more hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, as part of the ongoing implementation of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement. The Israel Defense Forces identified the fallen as Inbar Hayman, 27, and Sgt. Maj. Muhammad Al-Atresh, 39.

With their return, 19 hostages remain unaccounted for, their bodies still buried in Gaza’s rubble or hidden in tunnels a grim and painful reminder of the toll left behind by the October 7 massacre.

Hayman was the last remaining female hostage in Gaza. A gifted writer, graffiti artist, and IDF veteran, she was murdered at the Nova music festival and her body taken into Gaza by Hamas. Her death was confirmed in December 2023. Known for her “trademark energy and generosity,” she had come to the festival as a volunteer, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum shared in a tribute.

Sgt. Maj. Al-Atresh, a Bedouin tracker from the Negev village of Sa’wa, was killed during combat on October 7 while defending against the Hamas invasion. His remains were abducted into Gaza. He leaves behind two wives and 13 children, and was remembered as a man deeply devoted to his family and passionate about raising horses. His dream was to build a livestock farm.

Defense Minister Israel Katz praised both hostages as heroes. “Inbar was a commander in the Caracal Battalion and a talented graffiti artist. Muhammad was a serious man who always took care of his entire family,” he wrote.

Katz also highlighted the courage of Muhammad’s brother, Salem, who joined him in meetings with world leaders to advocate for the hostages never knowing at the time that Muhammad had already been killed.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office issued a clear statement following the return: “Jerusalem will not compromise. We will spare no effort until we return all of the fallen hostages, every last one of them.”

The bodies of four other hostages were returned earlier this week, and three more along with a Gazan body were repatriated Wednesday night. While media outlets reported that as many as five were expected, the confirmed return of two Israelis reflects the tragic pace and complexity of the recovery effort.

U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking at the White House, described the situation as “a gruesome process.” He noted that American and Israeli teams are digging through collapsed buildings and tunnels, sometimes three feet high, to locate remains. “Some of those bodies have been there a long time… It’s a horrible atrocity,” he said.

Hamas remains obligated under the ceasefire deal to return all the remains of hostages. The process is ongoing, slow, and filled with anguish but for the families still waiting, every return is a sacred act of remembrance.

Israel continues to fight for those who cannot return themselves. Share this story and subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing coverage of this solemn national mission.