**Israel Identifies Remains of Three Soldiers Returned from Gaza Amid Ceasefire Progress**
*Jerusalem (AP)* — Israel announced on Monday that the remains of three hostages returned from Gaza the previous night have been positively identified as soldiers who were killed during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, the event that triggered the ongoing war. This identification marks a significant step forward in the fragile, U.S.-brokered ceasefire between the two sides.
The Israeli military confirmed that the three men were killed in the attack on southern Israel and that militants dragged their bodies back to Gaza. The soldiers have been identified as Lt. Omer Neutra, an American-Israeli, Oz Daniel, and Lt. Col. Assaf Hamami.
### Discovery and Identification
Earlier, Hamas stated that the remains were found on Sunday in a tunnel in southern Gaza. Since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, Palestinian militants have returned the remains of 20 hostages, with eight still believed to be held in Gaza.
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on Sunday that he had spoken directly with Neutra’s family, describing their mixed feelings of relief and heartbreak. “They were thrilled, in one sense, but in another sense, obviously, it’s not too great,” Trump said.
### The Slow Release of Bodies
Militants have been releasing the bodies of hostages slowly, typically one or two every few days. Israel has urged for the process to move more quickly, though it has questioned the authenticity of some remains returned.
Hamas has cited the widespread devastation in Gaza as a factor complicating the identification and return process. In response, Israel has been releasing the remains of 15 Palestinians for every Israeli hostage returned.
Health officials in Gaza have faced difficulties identifying bodies due to the lack of access to DNA testing kits. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, only 75 of the 225 Palestinian bodies returned since the ceasefire began have been positively identified. The ministry has posted photos of unidentified remains online, hoping families will recognize their loved ones.
### Who Were the Hostages Returned?
– **Lt. Omer Neutra**, 21, was an American-Israeli soldier who was abducted along with his tank crew during the October 7 attack. His death was officially announced by the Israeli military in December 2024. Neutra’s parents have been active participants in protests in both the U.S. and Israel and addressed the Republican National Convention last year.
– **Oz Daniel**, 19, was taken from his tank by militants. He is survived by his parents and twin sister.
– **Lt. Col. Assaf Hamami** commanded Israel’s southern brigade in the Gaza division and was killed early on October 7 during the defense of Kibbutz Nirim. Israeli media reports that Hamami was the first military official to declare that Israel was at war, issuing the alert less than 10 minutes after the attack began. Hamami and two of his soldiers were killed and their bodies taken to Gaza; the remains of the other two soldiers were recovered in July 2024. Hamami is survived by his wife and three children.
### Ceasefire and Future Challenges
The exchange of hostage remains for Palestinian bodies has formed the cornerstone of the initial phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement. The broader 20-point plan includes the formation of an international stabilization force composed of Arab and other partner nations. This force would collaborate with Egypt and Jordan to help secure Gaza’s borders and ensure compliance with the ceasefire.
Several nations have expressed interest in contributing to the peacekeeping effort but emphasize the need for a clear U.N. Security Council mandate before committing troops.
Other significant challenges remain, including the disarmament of Hamas, postwar governance in Gaza, and the timing and logistics for increasing humanitarian aid to the region.
### The Conflict’s Toll
This conflict is the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas. The initial Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 people taken hostage.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has led to the deaths of more than 68,800 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry—operating under the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals—maintains detailed records that independent experts generally consider reliable. However, Israel disputes these figures and has denied allegations by a U.N. commission of inquiry and others accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza.
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*Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Aamer Madhani in West Palm Beach, Florida, contributed to this report.*
For more information and updates, visit AP’s [Israel-Hamas coverage](#).
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