Families confirm identities of three returned Gaza captive bodies

Three of the four bodies of Israeli hostages in Gaza returned by Hamas late Tuesday have been identified, their families said on Wednesday following forensic confirmation of their identities.

"It is with immense sadness and pain that we announce the return of the body of our beloved Ouriel Baruch from the Gaza Strip, after two long years of prayer, hope, and faith," said the family of the Jerusalem resident who was kidnapped on 7 October, 2023.

Tamir Nimrodi and Eitan Levy's relatives also announced the return of their remains to Israel.

Red Cross vehicles transport the bodies of deceased captives after they were handed over by Hamas militants as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Gaza — Red Cross vehicles transport the bodies of deceased captives after they were handed over by Hamas as part of a ceasefire and a captive-prisoner swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Gaza. (Reuters)