Body of Israeli officer Killed 11 Years Ago Found, Trapped Hamas Fighters Relieved

Darwin, 09 November-

Hamas has recovered the body of an Israeli soldier who was killed 11 years ago during the 2014 Gaza war. The soldier, Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, was killed in combat with Hamas fighters, who later took his body with them.

According to Al Jazeera and The Times of Israel, Hamas fighters discovered Goldin’s remains in Rafah, in an area currently under Israeli military control, while searching for the bodies of hostages.

Meanwhile, between 100 and 200 Hamas fighters have been trapped inside tunnels in Rafah since a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel took effect last month. The United States has reportedly been pressuring Israel to allow their safe passage. However, Israeli Chief of Staff Yaal Zamir stated that Israel would only consider allowing the fighters to leave safely if Hamas returned Hadar Goldin’s body. Israel had previously refused to grant safe passage without any exchange.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—who faces accusations of war crimes—has opposed allowing the Hamas fighters to leave the tunnels, despite internal and international pressure.

On August 1, 2014, a ceasefire had been declared between Hamas and Israel. Just one hour later, Hamas militants emerged from a tunnel and attacked Israeli troops, killing three soldiers, including Goldin. Hamas fighters then took Goldin’s body into Gaza, where it remained until now.