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
Denmark's government aims to ban access to social media for children under 15

Denmark Proposes Legislation to Restrict Social Media Access for Minors Under 15

In a significant development, Denmark’s government has unveiled plans to ban social…
Fire codes must be updated for safety

Urgent Call for Fire Code Updates to Enhance Safety Measures Nationwide

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which occurred on March 25, 1911, in…
2026 Grammy nominations: Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny top nominees

2026 Grammy Nominations Announced: Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Bad Bunny Lead the Pack

Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and the upcoming Super Bowl LX halftime show…
The FAA's order to cut flights nationwide due to the government shutdown is set to take effect

Nationwide Flight Reductions Loom: FAA’s Shutdown Response to Impact Travel

In an unprecedented move, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a…
Student arrested for flipping Turning Point table charged days prior in similar anti-conservative incident

Student Arrested for Disrupting Conservative Events Faces Multiple Charges

A University of Iowa student found himself in legal trouble twice within…
ICE says it took down group linked to violent home invasions in Texas; video shows victim chased, attacked

ICE Dismantles Texas Home Invasion Ring: Shocking Video Reveals Terrifying Attacks

EXCLUSIVE FROM FOX: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the apprehension…
Suspected New Jersey jihadi fantasized about killing Jews with swords in alleged ISIS plot: feds

New Jersey Man Allegedly Plotted Violent Attack Against Jews in ISIS-Related Scheme, Federal Authorities Report

Federal authorities have uncovered a chilling plot involving a 21-year-old from New…
National kart racing champion gunned down in front of fiancée during 'targeted' home invasion robbery: police

National Kart Racing Champion Tragically Killed in Targeted Home Invasion in Front of Fiancée, Police Report

A tragic home invasion in North Carolina has claimed the life of…
Peach salsa sold at Kroger recalled due to possible listeria contamination

Kroger Issues Recall on Peach Salsa Over Potential Listeria Contamination Concerns

A recall of peach salsa has emerged as part of a broader…
Suspicious package sickens several at Joint Base Andrews, home to Air Force One

Suspicious Package Incident at Joint Base Andrews Leads to Illness Among Several Individuals

According to a spokesperson from Joint Base Andrews, several individuals fell ill…
Duffy says air travel may take ‘days if not a week’ to return to normal, even after shutdown ends

Air Travel Chaos: Duffy Warns of Extended Delays Even After Shutdown Lifted

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Friday that following the conclusion of…
St. John's has big payroll without revenue sharing — for now

St. John’s Faces Financial Strain with Expanding Payroll Amidst Lack of Revenue Sharing

This revelation wasn’t exactly groundbreaking; rather, it served as a reminder of…