Israel Receives Remains of Soldier Killed in 2014 Gaza Conflict

Mon Nov 10 2025 19:34:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The body of Lt Hadar Goldin, an Israeli soldier killed during a Hamas ambush in 2014, has finally been returned to Israel. This comes amid a ceasefire agreement that includes the release of hostages.

In a significant development, Israel has received the remains of Lt Hadar Goldin, a soldier killed in Gaza in 2014. His body had been held by Hamas for nearly a decade. This transfer comes as part of a ceasefire deal that involved the release of hostages and marks a poignant moment for his family and the nation. Goldin's father, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and President Isaac Herzog emphasized the importance of bringing home all hostages. The ongoing conflict has claimed numerous lives, underscoring the enduring impact of war in the region.

Israel has received the body of Lt Hadar Goldin, a soldier killed in an ambush by Hamas in 2014 and whose remains have been held in Gaza since then.

The Israeli military confirmed that Lt Goldin, who was 23 at the time of his death, has been formally identified and will now receive a proper burial. He left behind parents, a sister, two brothers, and a fiancée.

Earlier, Hamas's armed wing announced that they would hand over Lt Goldin's body as part of a ceasefire deal. As part of the same agreement, Hamas has returned all 20 living hostages, and 24 deceased hostages out of a total of 28.

On Sunday, Lt Goldin's father, Simcha Goldin, expressed, Victory means bringing home the hostages and returning our soldiers to Israel. Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog stated they had kept Lt Goldin's photograph in their offices for the past 11 years, emphasizing their commitment to his return.

Netanyahu acknowledged the family's suffering and highlighted the unity among Israelis in their efforts to recover Lt Goldin, expressing deep condolences to the Goldin family.

Efforts to retrieve Lt Goldin's body involved extensive intelligence gathering and operations over the decade, with the Israeli military stating they are committed to returning all deceased hostages and prepared for continued negotiations.

In a broader context, Lt Goldin was the only deceased hostage whose remains were extended in Gaza before the recent escalation of conflict following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. He was killed during a 2014 conflict while patrolling in an agricultural area near Rafah, and his body was abducted into an underground tunnel.

The military responded with extensive firepower intending to prevent Goldin from being taken captive, which tragically resulted in civilian casualties.

The current situation remains tense, as a new phase of conflict has ensued, with significant casualties reported on both sides. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to evolve as ceasefire negotiations are undertaken, marked by ongoing violence and hostilities.

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