By: Fern Sidman – Jewish Voice News

In a solemn and closely guarded operation on Sunday afternoon, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that three coffins believed to contain the bodies of deceased hostages were transferred from Gaza into Israeli territory under military escort. According to an official statement posted on the IDF’s X.com account, the coffins were handed over in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and are being transported to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine for identification procedures.

The Israel Defense Forces reported that this exchange took place “a short while ago,” emphasizing that IDF personnel accompanied the transfer with the utmost respect and care. The remains, the statement said, will undergo forensic examination and DNA testing to establish their identities conclusively.

“This process will be conducted meticulously and with full transparency,” the IDF said. “Only after formal identification will the families of the deceased hostages be notified. Until then, we urge the public to act with sensitivity and to await official confirmation before sharing any unverified information.”

The transfer marked another tragic chapter in the ongoing hostage crisis stemming from the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, in which hundreds of Israelis were killed or abducted into Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces, which has led both the military and humanitarian coordination of the hostages’ return, said that representatives from its Casualty and Missing Soldiers Division are personally accompanying the bereaved families through every step of the process.

The IDF emphasized that the operation adhered to strict humanitarian protocols coordinated through the Red Cross, which provided the initial information about the deceased individuals. The military added that Hamas remains “obligated under the terms of the ceasefire agreement to return all the deceased hostages without delay.”

According to the Israel Defense Forces, the three coffins were transferred at a designated crossing point under heavy security. IDF soldiers, together with medical and forensic teams, ensured the safe and dignified handling of the remains as they entered Israeli territory.

“Every return, even in these painful circumstances, represents a sacred duty for the IDF and the State of Israel,” said one senior IDF officer, speaking under condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the operation. “We are committed to bringing every one of our citizens home—whether living or deceased—and to ensuring that their families receive the truth, however difficult.”

Once the remains arrived on Israeli soil, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed they were transported directly to the National Institute for Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv, where pathologists and forensic experts will perform formal identification. This includes DNA analysis, dental record comparison, and coordination with IDF medical examiners trained in casualty recovery and identification.

The IDF emphasized that families will be notified privately and directly once identities are confirmed, in accordance with military and national procedures. “This is an extraordinarily delicate process,” the IDF spokesperson noted. “We ask for patience and respect as forensic teams work to provide accurate and compassionate answers to the families waiting for closure.”

The Israel Defense Forces also reminded the public and media that, until official confirmation is released, speculation regarding the identity of the deceased could cause unnecessary distress to affected families. “Our priority is to protect the dignity of the fallen and the emotional well-being of their loved ones,” the statement read.

The IDF made clear that Sunday’s transfer was part of ongoing obligations set forth under the ceasefire and hostage-release framework brokered by international mediators earlier this year. The agreement stipulates that Hamas must provide comprehensive information about all hostages—living and deceased—and facilitate their return through the Red Cross and coordinated security channels.

According to the Israel Defense Forces, Hamas has failed to fully comply with these conditions, particularly regarding the return of deceased captives and the provision of accurate information about those still missing. “Hamas continues to withhold crucial details and has delayed the return of bodies despite repeated commitments,” the IDF said. “This conduct is in direct violation of humanitarian norms and the principles of international law.”

The Israel Defense Forces reiterated that it is working in close coordination with the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) and international partners to ensure that all remaining hostages—both living and deceased—are accounted for.

In keeping with longstanding IDF policy regarding fallen soldiers and abducted civilians, trained officers from the IDF’s Casualty Notification Unit have been assigned to assist the families of the three individuals whose remains were transferred. These representatives accompany relatives throughout the identification process, providing updates, logistical coordination, and psychological support.

“This is one of the most difficult responsibilities the Israel Defense Forces carries,” said an IDF Family Liaison Officer quoted by state media. “The families are not alone. From the moment we receive word that a loved one may be among the deceased, the IDF is by their side—every hour, every step.”

The IDF has long regarded the recovery and repatriation of fallen citizens as a moral imperative, a commitment rooted in its foundational ethos. “Bringing every Israeli home—alive or deceased—is not just a mission; it is a promise to the people of Israel,” the military said in its statement.

In its communications on X.com, the Israel Defense Forces appealed to the Israeli public and media outlets to exercise restraint in reporting or sharing details until official identifications are complete. “The families will always be the first to know,” the IDF reiterated. “Out of respect for them, we ask everyone to wait for confirmed information.”

The IDF’s request reflects a broader policy aimed at maintaining dignity and discretion during such operations. In past cases, premature speculation on social media has led to confusion and emotional harm among families of hostages and missing persons.

Sunday’s repatriation calls attention to the ongoing challenges facing the Israel Defense Forces as it continues to confront Hamas while upholding its humanitarian commitments. While each recovery operation provides some measure of closure, the IDF stresses that dozens of hostages—both living and deceased—remain unaccounted for in Gaza.

“Our duty does not end with today’s transfer,” the IDF said. “Every fallen Israeli, every missing citizen, is part of our national responsibility. Until each one is returned, our mission continues.”

As the three coffins made their solemn passage across the border, escorted by IDF soldiers standing at attention, the moment was both somber and symbolic — a reflection of a nation still mourning, still waiting, yet unwavering in its resolve to bring all its people home.

For the Israel Defense Forces, Sunday’s operation was another reminder of that unbroken promise: no Israeli is ever forgotten, and no one is ever left behind.