Israel has recovered the bodies of two hostages, Arie “Zalman” Zalmanowicz, 85, and Tamir Adar, 38, after Hamas handed over their remains via the Red Cross. Both were residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the hardest-hit communities in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
Zalmanowicz, a kibbutz founder, was kidnapped and later died in captivity, reportedly from neglect and lack of medical care. Adar, the kibbutz’s deputy security coordinator, was killed defending the community before his body was taken to Gaza.
The IDF confirmed the identities of both men after a ceremony led by Chief Rabbi Brig. Gen. Eyal Krim. Their return reduces the number of deceased hostages still held in Gaza to 13.
Under the current ceasefire deal, Hamas returns the body of one hostage for every 15 Palestinian bodies transferred from Israel to Gaza. Families of both men, who had already held symbolic funerals, will now be able to bury their loved ones in Israel.
