Nigeria TV Info

Israel Recovers Body of Slain Hostage Meny Godard After Red Cross Transfer From Gaza

Israel has recovered the body of slain hostage Meny Godard after it was transferred from Gaza by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday.

Godard, a 73-year-old resident of a kibbutz near the Gaza border, was killed during the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023. His death was formally confirmed two months later, but his remains had remained in Gaza for more than a year.

Earlier on Thursday, the armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad said they would hand over the body at 8 p.m. local time, though Israeli officials reported receiving no formal notification prior to the transfer.

Upon reaching Israel, the remains were moved for forensic testing and were positively identified within three hours as those of Godard. Israeli authorities added that the bodies of three other hostages are still being held in Gaza.

In a statement, Netanyahu’s office reaffirmed the government’s commitment to recovering all missing and fallen hostages.

“The Government and the entire establishment for the missing and the captives of the State of Israel are determined, committed, and working tirelessly to return all of our fallen hostages for proper burial in their country,” the statement read.

The recovery of Godard’s remains marks a rare transfer of hostage bodies amid ongoing tensions and negotiations between Israel and militant groups in Gaza.