In a recent development, Israel confirmed on Saturday that the remains handed over by Hamas, facilitated by the Red Cross, belong to a deceased hostage.
The individual has been identified by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as Eliyahu Margalit, commonly known as “Churchill,” who lost his life during the attacks on October 7, 2023. The IDF emphasized the necessity for Hamas to honor its commitments and exert efforts to return all hostages to their families for a dignified burial.
According to Israeli authorities, Margalit was killed at the horse stables in Kibbutz Nir Oz, after which his body was taken to Gaza, where it remained for over two years. The IDF had initially confirmed his death in December 2023.
Margalit’s daughter, Nili Margalit, was also captured but was released during a brief ceasefire in November 2023. He is survived by his wife, three children, and grandchildren.
Eliyahu Margalit, aged 75, was a victim of the October 7, 2023, massacre, with his body held in Gaza until October 18, 2025, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office expressed deep condolences to the Margalit family and all families affected by the abductions. The statement reaffirmed the government’s unwavering determination and commitment to bringing back all fallen abductees for a proper burial in Israel.
Margalit’s loved ones said he went to feed his beloved horses early in the morning on Oct. 7 and that the horses were taken along with him, according to The Times of Israel. The outlet added that Margalit was responsible for the kibbutz’s cattle for many years.
“Our beloved Eli has returned home, 742 days after he was murdered and kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz. We thank the people of Israel and the Hostage Families Forum for their support in the long struggle for his return, and promise that we will not stop or rest until the last of the hostages is returned for burial in Israel,” the family said in a statement, according to The Times of Israel.
Protesters stand with portraits of Israeli hostages Eliyahu Margalit, Eli Sharabi, Nimron Cohen, and others during a demonstration by the families of the hostages taken captive in the Gaza Strip by Palestinian militants during the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, outside the Israeli Prime Minister’s residence in Azza (Gaza) Street in central Jerusalem on Oct. 24, 2024. (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images)
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which was established in the wake of the Oct. 7 massacre, expressed condolences to Margalit’s family.
“The families of the hostages and the released embrace the family of Eliyahu ‘Churchill’ Margalit at this difficult time, following the return of their beloved Eliyahu z”l to Israel last night for a proper burial,” the forum wrote. “Alongside the grief and the understanding that their hearts will never be whole again, Eliyahu’s return brings some measure of solace to a family that has lived in unbearable uncertainty and doubt for over two years. We will not rest until all 18 hostages are brought home.”
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers salute Eliyahu Margalit’s coffin, which has been draped in an Israeli flag. (IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)
The forum noted that Margalit was “a cowboy at heart” and was linked to an organization known as “Riders of the South,” which has been bringing horseback riding enthusiasts together for more than 50 years.
Margalit is the 10th deceased hostage to be returned to Israel, while the remains of 18 others are still in Gaza. Two of the deceased hostages whose bodies have not been returned are Itay Chen, 19, and Omer Neutra, 21, both of whom are U.S. citizens.
