Remains of Omer Neutra, Two Others Returned

The remains of Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old American‑Israeli captain from Plainview killed during the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, were returned to Israel Sunday night, a transfer confirmed by President Trump and IDF officials. The handover included two other bodies later identified after forensic examination as Sgt. Oz Daniel and Col. Asaf Hamami; families have been notified. Israeli authorities said the remains were recovered in Gaza by IDF and Shin Bet forces and transferred via the International Committee of the Red Cross. The bodies will be honored in a military ceremony and moved to the National Center for Forensic Medicine for formal identification and burial. Neutra’s parents and brother had campaigned publicly for his return, and local and state figures including Gov. Kathy Hochul and community organizations paid tribute, with a gathering in Manhattan planned. Israeli officials reiterated ongoing efforts to recover additional hostages.