Hamas Returns Remains of Three IDF Soldiers Amid Ceasefire Progress

Over the weekend, Hamas returned the remains of three Israeli Defense Forces soldiers—Colonel Assaf Hamami, Captain Omer Neutra, and Staff Sergeant Oz Daniel—who were killed defending Israel during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Neutra, an American-Israeli and lone soldier, was a tank commander near the Gaza border, and his body had been held by Hamas for over two years before being identified and returned. The return of these soldiers' remains marks progress in the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which began in October 2025, under a plan facilitated by President Donald Trump. Hamas has so far released the remains of 21 deceased captives and 20 living hostages, with eight deceased captives still unreturned. The soldiers are being commemorated for their bravery and sacrifice, with families and officials expressing relief that their loved ones have been returned for dignified burial. Meanwhile, Israel continues to manage the complex and tense aftermath of the conflict, including political and legal challenges at home.