Fallen Hostages Will Be Returned Tonight

After several tense days, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced this evening that an agreement has been reached with the mediators. Four fallen soldiers will be returned tonight from Hamas captivity as part of Phase A of an agreed procedure, without humiliating ceremonies in the Gaza Strip.

The families of Tzachi Idan, Itzik Elgart, and Shlomo Mansour have confirmed that their bodies will be returned as part of the agreement tonight. In exchange for the release of the four fallen hostages, Israel will release 602 Palestinian prisoners whose release has been delayed since last Saturday.

Itzik, Shlomo, and Tzachi | Photo: Courtesy of the family

Young People Don’t Just Die

U.S. President Donald Trump stated this evening at the beginning of a cabinet meeting that he is very disappointed by the deaths of the hostages: “When I see four bodies being returned today, I am very disappointed. Young people don’t just die. Hamas thinks they are doing us a favor by sending us bodies; we have received many hostages, but what has happened is truly horrific.” Trump referred to the next stage of the deal, stating, “Bibi needs to make a decision. The first phase has ended, and now the second phase begins. Israel needs to decide what it wants.”

Tzachi Idan’s family received with great sorrow the message from Hamas that Tzachi, their beloved, is not alive and that his body is expected to return to Israel during the night. However, the family requested to clarify that they are still awaiting official confirmation, which can only be received after his arrival in Israel and the necessary examinations by the relevant authorities. Family members emphasized the importance of respecting Tzachi’s and their relatives’ privacy during this difficult time. Shlomo Mansour’s family also announced that he is expected to be released tonight as part of the fallen hostages’ return. Dany Elgart, Itzik’s brother, told Guy Peleg, from Israeli news station N12, earlier today that his brother Itzik is among the fallen who will be returned tonight.

The Bibas Family Laid to Rest

Photo: Eitan Oner

Shiri Ariel and Kfir Bibas were laid to rest today, their family touched the entire nation and were buried at the Tzohar cemetery in the Eshkol region. Yarden, Shiri’s husband and the father of Kfir and the late Ariel, eulogized them, saying: “Shiri, please watch over me. Keep me safe from bad decisions. Keep me safe from bad things and keep me safe from myself. Keep me safe so I don’t fall into darkness.” Alongside the flowers laid on the grave of the family members, teddy bears and a drawing from Ariel’s good friend were also placed.

Photo: Eitan Oner

Yoav Avital, five years old, who was a close friend of Ariel and grew up next to him in the children’s home at the kibbutz, waited for his return for over 500 days. This morning, when he realized he would not return, he placed a note on the grave in which he sorrowfully wrote: “Died at 4 years old” and “I am sad.”

Photo: Eitan Oner