Trump confirms body of American hostage Omer Neutra returned by Hamas
Share this @internewscast.com

The remains of Omer Neutra, an American citizen, have been returned by Hamas alongside two other deceased hostages, President Donald Trump announced on Sunday.

During a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, en route back to Washington from Florida, Trump disclosed that he had spoken with Neutra’s parents.

“Neutra, from New York, was one of ours,” Trump stated. “I’ve had the chance to speak with his parents. They are relieved in one way, but it’s understandably a complicated situation. We are pleased to have achieved this outcome. We retrieved three bodies today, and the search continues for the others,” he added.

Omer Neutra had pursued a gap year in Israel in 2020, after which he joined the Israeli army. He was also a student at Binghamton University.

In remembrance, a photograph of Omer Neutra was prominently displayed during his memorial service on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the Midway Jewish Center in Syosset, New York. (AP Photo/Philip Marcelo)

Omer Neutra memorial service in Syosset, New York.

An image of Omer Neutra is displayed at his memorial service Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at the Midway Jewish Center in Syosset, N.Y.  (AP Photo/Philip Marcelo)

Earlier Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced Israel has received the remains of three Israeli hostages through the Red Cross; the remains were recovered by IDF and Shin Bet forces inside the Gaza Strip, according to a statement.

The announcement said the bodies would be transferred to Israel, where they will be honored in a military ceremony led by the Chief Military Rabbi.

Afterward, they will be taken to the National Center of Forensic Medicine of the Ministry of Health for identification. Once the process is completed, official notifications will be delivered to the families.

All families of the deceased hostages have been informed, and the government expressed deep condolences with the statement saying its “hearts are with them at this difficult time.”

Donald Trump discusses a new peace agreement in the Middle East.

President Donald Trump announced an agreement between Israel and Hamas to release the hostages.  (Leon Neal/Getty; Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty)

The official statement also reaffirmed Israel’s ongoing commitment to bringing all hostages home and declared that efforts will continue “relentlessly and will not cease until the last hostage is brought home.”

The Israeli public was also urged to respect the families’ privacy and avoid spreading unverified information, with updates provided only from official sources.

Though the identities of the bodies have not yet been confirmed, Hamas said they were three Israeli soldiers.

Hamas terrorists wearing green and black.

Hamas terrorists emerge escorting Red Cross vehicles carrying 3 Israeli hostages to be released as part of the ceasefire deal.  (TPS-IL)

So far, Hamas has returned 17 deceased hostages since the ceasefire began on Oct. 10. But 11 other hostage bodies are still thought to be in Gaza.

Per Reuters, Israel claimed Hamas has been slow at delivering the deceased bodies, while Hamas said it is working as quickly as possible but under difficult conditions.

Otherwise, before Sunday’s hostage release, Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza, killing one, according to reports.

People walking in Gaza.

Hamas has not yet turned over all the dead hostages to Israel.  (Moiz Salhi/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The Israeli army claimed its aircraft struck a militant who was a threat to its forces, while Al-Ahli Hospital said one man had been killed in the airstrike in Gaza City, according to reports.

IDF soldiers inspect aftermath of Hamas attack on the Nova music festival.

Israeli soldiers inspect the burnt cars of festival-goers at the site of an attack on the Nova Festival by Hamas gunmen from Gaza, near Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, Oct. 13, 2023.  (REUTERS/Amir Cohen)

“There are still Hamas pockets in the areas under our control in Gaza, and we are systematically eliminating them,” Netanyahu said during an Israeli broadcast.

Hamas had agreed per the ceasefire to hand over the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for the bodies of 360 Palestinian militants that were killed in the Gaza war.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
FAA scrambles to hire 8,900 air traffic controllers by 2028 as shortage reaches crisis levels

Urgent FAA Recruitment: 8,900 Air Traffic Controllers Needed by 2028 Amidst Growing Crisis

In Eastman, Georgia, a national shortage of air traffic controllers has sparked…
Kennedy cousin tied to Martha Moxley case breaks silence 50 years later as murder remains unsolved

After 50 Years of Silence, Kennedy Cousin Reveals Shocking Insights into the Unsolved Martha Moxley Murder Case

Half a century has passed since the murder of a young girl…
Noah Clowney's ill-advised mistake comes as he's emerging as Nets fixture

Noah Clowney Makes a Misstep Amidst Rise as Key Nets Player

Noah Clowney has emerged as a standout player this season, offering a…
Fatally stabbed dad of 4 was visiting Brooklyn NYCHA complex where he grew up: ex

Father of Four Tragically Stabbed During Visit to Childhood Brooklyn NYCHA Complex

A father of four from Brooklyn was tragically killed during a visit…
Duffy identifies Chicago train victim as 26-year-old Bethany MaGee while blasting city's 'carelessness'

Duffy Criticizes Chicago’s ‘Negligence’ After Identifying Train Victim as 26-Year-Old Bethany MaGee

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has identified the victim of a shocking attack…
Disney+, Hulu Bundle Black Friday deal 2025: $4.99 per month for 1 year

Unmissable 2025 Black Friday Offer: Disney+ and Hulu Bundle for Just $4.99/Month for a Year!

It’s that time of year when Disney+ and Hulu unveil an irresistible…
It Would Be Nice If the Democrat Elites Would Stop Undermining the Republic

Democratic Leadership Must Cease Actions That Undermine the Republic’s Stability

“Well Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” is…
Slender Man Waukesha stabbing: assailant Morgan Geyser taken into custody after fleeing group home, police say

Waukesha Stabbing: Morgan Geyser Apprehended in Posen, Illinois After Escaping Group Home

Morgan Geyser, known for her involvement in the infamous Slender Man stabbing…
Donald Glover reveals he had a stroke and heart issue, prompting him to end his 2024 tour early

Donald Glover’s Shocking Health Revelation: The Stroke and Heart Issue Behind His 2024 Tour Cancellation

During an appearance at the 2025 Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival held in…
Cartel connection: Hezbollah and Iran exploit Maduro’s Venezuela for cocaine cash

Israel Conducts Strategic Operation in Beirut, Eliminates Senior Hezbollah Military Commander Haytham Ali Tabatabai

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the Israel Defense…
Slender Man Waukesha stabbing: assailant Morgan Geyser taken into custody after fleeing group home, police say

Breaking News: Slender Man Stabbing Perpetrator Morgan Geyser Recaptured After Escaping Group Home

On a quiet Sunday evening, the unsettling news broke from Madison, Wisconsin.…
Masked thieves in South American crime ring loot American homes in coordinated pattern, police warn

Police Alert: International Crime Syndicate Targets US Homes in Sophisticated Heists

A surge in upscale home burglaries throughout southeastern Wisconsin has led to…