Hostages Itzik Elgart, Ohad Yahalomi, Shlomo Mansour and Tzachi Idan identified after return to Israel 

All four of the deceased hostages released early this morning (Thursday) - Shlomo Mansour, Tzachi Idan, Ohad Yahalomi, and Itzik Elgart - have been identified by the Institue of Forensic Medicine.

Kibbutz Nir Oz announced this morning that at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Abu Kabir, a member of the fallen kibbutz, Itzik Elgart, whose coffin was returned from Hamas captivity last night, was identified.

"It is with deep sorrow that we announce the murder of the late Itzik Elgart, who was kidnapped from his home on the kibbutz on Saturday, October 7, and murdered in captivity in Gaza.

Itzik is survived by two children, a brother and two sisters. We will remember him for his laughter, his huge heart and his willingness to always be there for anyone in need," the kibbutz said.

Later on, the kibbutz also stated that the soldier Ohad Yahalomi was identified: "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."

The Institute of Forensic Medicine then announced that the body of 86-year-old Shlomo Mansour, kidnapped from Kibbutz Kissufim, had also been identified.

Kibbutz Kissufim said that the kibbutz members "mourn and are in pain with the return of the body of our dear friend, Shlomo Mansour. Let us recall that Shlomo was kidnapped from the yard of his pastoral home on the morning of the accursed Saturday, and murdered by terrorists from Gaza. We send our deepest embraces and condolences to the Mansour family, who have lost such a dear and beloved person. Your pain is our pain, and your sorrow is our sorrow."

"Shlomo was the heart of our community – everyone's grandfather. Always with a wide smile, always remembering every birthday and calling to wish me good luck. He knew how to give each of us the feeling that he is the center of the world, with warmth, love and a rare presence of true giving. Shlomo will be with us forever."

Regarding the last of the four to be identified - Tzachi Idan - the family issued a statement: "Our family's unbearable journey to bring back our beloved and dear Tzachi from the inferno in Gaza ended with the identification of Tzachi's body by a qualified team from the State of Israel. The uncertainty and the incessant upheaval have come to an end."

"Tzachi was kidnapped on his feet and we received a number of life signals from him during this period, and in the November 2023 deal he was still alive and expected to be released, the statement continued. "Tzachi will be brought to eternal rest next to the spring of his beloved daughter, who was murdered on October 7th, in an attempt to help her father and guard the door of the dimension. We will make an orderly announcement during the day (Thursday) regarding the date of the funeral and the ceremony in his memory. Tzachi is survived by his mother, three brothers, a wife and three children, an extended family and many friends. We are once again grateful for the great love and support we have received and continue to receive during these difficult times."