On Tuesday, the Israeli military formally identified two of the four individuals whose remains were recently returned from Gaza. This somber announcement cast a shadow over the widespread jubilation felt across the nation just a day prior, following the release of the final 20 living captives.
The identified individuals were Guy Illouz and Bipin Joshi. Guy Illouz’s mother, Doris Liber, was seen in Washington in 2023 holding his photo, campaigning for his return. The cease-fire agreement had stipulated that Hamas would return the bodies of all 28 presumed deceased hostages by Monday, a commitment that was only partially met.
The deal had anticipated challenges in recovering many of the remains, primarily due to the extensive destruction in Gaza. What was once a densely populated urban area has been largely transformed into vast stretches of concrete rubble after two years of intense Israeli military action. To address potential difficulties, the agreement included provisions for a joint task force, involving the United States and other mediating parties. This team would work to exchange information and assist in locating any outstanding remains, as confirmed by three anonymous Israeli officials.
Both Israeli authorities and several families of the former captives have expressed strong disapproval, accusing Hamas of failing to return more of the deceased. Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly stated that Hamas had not “upheld its commitments.” However, he refrained from threatening immediate military retaliation, signaling that the cease-fire remains in effect for now. Bipin Joshi’s sister was recently seen in New York holding a photograph of him, a Nepalese citizen killed in captivity.
Katz emphasized on social media that the immediate priority is to “ensure the return of all the bodies of the hostages home,” warning that “any deliberate delay or refusal will be considered a blatant violation of the agreement and will be met accordingly.” Gal Hirsch, the coordinator for hostages and missing persons in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, reassured affected families that efforts would continue to bring their loved ones’ remains home and maintain pressure on Hamas.
Hirsch declared, “The mission is not yet complete. We are absolutely determined and fully committed — we will not stop until all the fallen hostages are located and brought home.” However, these officials noted that success hinges on Hamas demonstrating good faith in returning all possible remains, rather than engaging in delays.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a leading advocacy group, publicly demanded on Monday the “immediate suspension of all agreement implementation until every deceased individual is returned.” The group condemned the return of only four bodies as a “violation of the agreement,” insisting it “must be met with a very serious response from the government and the mediators.” They firmly stated, “An agreement must be honored by both sides. If Hamas does not fulfill their part, Israel should not fulfill its part either.”
Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross announced its involvement, providing assistance for the “dignified” handling of the deceased. This included supplying body bags, refrigerated trucks, and personnel to support Israeli authorities. In a formal statement, the ICRC urged Israel, Hamas, and the international mediators involved in the conflict “to ensure the agreement is faithfully applied.”
The organization highlighted the “unimaginable pain” suffered by grieving families, stressing that “all parties must ensure that the return of human remains is done under dignified conditions, and uphold dignity and humanity.”
Israeli officials believe Hamas knows where many, though not all, of the bodies are located. One official indicated that Hamas would need to conduct its own search, possibly involving discussions with other militant groups in Gaza, clearing extensive rubble, and inspecting collapsed tunnels. The military’s official statement confirmed that the National Center for Forensic Medicine, in collaboration with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, had identified the bodies of Mr. Illouz, Mr. Joshi, and two other individuals. The identities of the remaining two individuals were withheld pending notification of their families.
Guy Illouz, who was tragically abducted from the Nova music festival, died in captivity at 26. Military reports suggest his death was due to inadequate medical care for injuries sustained during the October 7, 2023 attacks. Bipin Joshi, a 23-year-old Nepalese citizen, was abducted from a shelter in Kibbutz Alumim and later died in captivity during the initial months of the conflict, the military confirmed.