Israel – Times of Israel, Oct. 19, 2025
The bodies of 14 Israelis and 2 foreign nationals remain in the Strip; Hamas claims it cannot get to some, doesn’t know where others are
Israel has watched and rejoiced as the final living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza were released and returned last week to Israel, where they and their families can begin their journeys of healing and rehabilitation together.
But 16 families still wait for closure as their loved ones’ bodies remain held in the Gaza Strip, leaving them unable to bury their sons and fathers.
On Saturday, the sister of Lt. Hadar Goldin, who was killed in 2014 and whose body has been held by Hamas ever since, said the fight for the return of the bodies was the “last and hardest,” and called on the public not to abandon the families.
“We need you now in the last and hardest battle of all. The least sexy battle, in which there will be no hugs,” said Ayelet Goldin. “There will be bowed heads, final respect, heroism, and a beautiful and pure Israeliness that preserves its values for the sake of our children.”
