IDF: Following the completion of the identification process by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, in cooperation with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed the family of Aryeh Zalmanovich that he had been returned for burial. The family of an additional deceased hostage was notified as well, whose name hasn’t been cleared for publication yet by the family.

According to the information and intelligence available to the IDF, Aryeh Zalmanovich was abducted alive from his house in Nir Oz by the Hamas terrorist organization. It is estimated that Aryeh was murdered in captivity on November 17th, 2023. Aryeh Zalmanovich was 85 years old at the time of his death. He leaves behind two sons and five grandchildren. The final conclusions will be made upon completion of the examination of the circumstances of death in the National Institute of Forensic Medicine.

The IDF expresses deep condolences to the families, continues to make every effort to return all the deceased hostages, and is prepared for the continued implementation of the agreement.

Hamas is required to fulfill its part of the agreement and make the necessary efforts to return all the hostages to their families and to a dignified burial.