Hamas has reportedly returned the remains of Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin, who had been held in Gaza for over a decade. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed receiving the remains, which Hamas claims belong to Goldin, killed in 2014. This development is significant as it marks the only set of remains currently held in Gaza from the 2014 conflict. Goldin's body was discovered in a tunnel in Rafah, the southernmost city of Gaza, on Saturday. The discovery comes amidst ongoing tensions and a two-year war between Israel and Hamas. Goldin's death occurred on August 1, 2014, just two hours after a ceasefire was established. His remains will be transferred to Israel for identification, and if confirmed, it will leave four bodies of hostages still held in Gaza. The return of Goldin's body is a pivotal moment in the US-brokered truce, offering closure to his family after 11 years of anguish. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed hope for the release of Goldin's body on Sunday, emphasizing the emotional toll on his family and the importance of a proper Jewish burial. The Goldin family, along with another soldier's family, has been campaigning for the return of their sons' bodies for burial. Israel has already recovered the remains of the second soldier earlier this year. Netanyahu vowed to continue efforts to bring home the bodies of Israelis still held across enemy lines, including the case of Eli Cohen, an Israeli spy executed in Damascus in 1965. However, there are reports suggesting Hamas is delaying the release of Goldin's body, potentially to negotiate safe passage for over 100 militants trapped in Rafah. Minister Gila Gamliel refuted these negotiations, stating that Israel should not allow any reopening of agreements. Hamas has not commented on a potential exchange for its fighters in the 'yellow zone,' an area controlled by Israeli forces, despite acknowledging clashes in the region.
