Israel has officially received the body of deceased hostage Meny Godard from Palestinian militants in Gaza, facilitated by the Red Cross, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. Godard, a resident of a kibbutz near Gaza, lost his life during a Hamas raid on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The handover took place as previously unannounced, though militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad had signaled plans to transfer a hostage's body. Following its transfer, forensic experts in Israel promptly identified the remains as belonging to Godard, who was 73 when he died. Despite this development, the remains of three other hostages continue to be held in Gaza.

Expressing determination and commitment, Netanyahu's office reiterated Israel's resolve to secure the return of all hostages.

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