Back in Israel: Fallen hostages’ coffins under examination at forensic institute

The bodies of four Israeli hostages - Tsachi Idan, Itzik Elgarat, Ohad Yahalomi, and Shlomo Mantzur - who had not yet been returned as part of the final phase of the first stage of the hostage deal, were transferred to Israel early this morning (Thursday).

The process began around 11:00 p.m., when Red Cross vehicles were dispatched to receive the coffins. By 12:30 a.m., Hamas had handed over the bodies to the Red Cross, which then met with IDF troops at the Kerem Shalom crossing shortly after 1:00 a.m.

The coffins officially entered Israeli territory at 1:30 a.m., and an initial identification process commenced under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office.

At approximately 6:00 a.m., the coffins arrived at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Abu Kabir for further identification procedures.

Just after 7:00 a.m., Kibbutz Nir Oz issued a heartbreaking announcement confirming the murder of Itzik Elgarat, who was kidnapped from his home on October 7 and murdered in captivity. "Itzik is survived by two children, a brother, and two sisters. We remember him smiling, with his huge heart and willingness to always be there for anyone in need," the kibbutz statement read.

Ohad Yahalomi was the second of the four deceased hostages to be identfied. Kibbutz Nir Oz announced with great pain the murder of the late Ohad Yahalomi, who was kidnapped from his home on the kibbutz and murdered in captivity in Gaza.

The statement read: "Ohad, 50 years old at the time of his death, was a devoted and loving family man. He was a sportsman and traveled in his soul, and he knew every track and ride in the desert that he loved so much. For years he worked for the Nature and Parks Authority and dedicated his life to nature conservation. Out of his great love for the desert, he published with partners the definition of scorpions and was a partner in educational initiatives in the Bedouin society. Ohad is survived by his wife and three small children, family and many friends. We will always remember him as a man of values, full of compassion, who loves man and the land."

According to an Al Jazeera correspondent, the bodies were transferred discreetly, without any formal ceremony or media presence. Meanwhile, buses carrying Palestinian prisoners set for release as part of the deal departed Ofer Prison. Of the 42 prisoners freed, 37 arrived in Ramallah, while five were released to eastern Jerusalem.