JERUSALEM — Israel has retrieved the body of longtime kibbutz resident Meny Godard, who was killed during the October 7, 2023 attack and taken into Gaza by Palestinian militants, according to a statement released Thursday by the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Godard, 73, lived near the Gaza border and was among the civilians killed when Hamas fighters stormed multiple Israeli communities during the deadly assault. Israel formally confirmed his death in December 2023, but his remains had remained inside Gaza until today’s transfer.
Body Handed Over Through Red Cross Coordination
The handover was facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross, after armed brigades linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad announced earlier in the day that they planned to release the body of an Israeli hostage at 8 p.m.
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Israeli officials noted that they did not receive any formal advance notification regarding the exact timing of the transfer. Nevertheless, Red Cross personnel delivered the remains across the border on Thursday evening.
Forensic teams identified the body as that of Godard within three hours of its arrival.
Three Hostages’ Remains Still in Gaza
Despite today’s development, the bodies of three additional Israeli hostages are still believed to be held inside Gaza.
In its statement, the Prime Minister’s Office reaffirmed ongoing efforts:
“The Government of Israel and all authorities responsible for missing and captive citizens remain committed and relentless in their mission to bring every one of our fallen hostages home for a dignified burial.”
Islamic Jihad Claims Body Found in Khan Younis
Islamic Jihad — which carried out kidnappings alongside Hamas during the October 7 assault — said the remains were located in Khan Younis, a southern city that has witnessed intense fighting throughout the Gaza war.
Background: Ceasefire Exchange Agreement
Under the temporary ceasefire arrangement reached in late October 2023:
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20 surviving hostages held in Gaza were released.
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Israel freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and wartime detainees in return.
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The agreement also included the exchange of the remains of 28 Israeli hostages for the bodies of 360 militants held by Israel.
Today’s handover is not part of that earlier swap but comes amid heightened international pressure to secure the release of the remaining hostages and their bodies.
Source: Reuters
