Israeli forces have successfully recovered the body of Staff Sgt Oron Shaul, a soldier killed during the 2014 Gaza war and held by Hamas since then. The remains were retrieved through a covert mission involving the Israeli military and Shin Bet security service.
The operation marks the culmination of a decade-long intelligence and operational effort. Shaul was identified by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Military Rabbinate, and his family was informed after confirmation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded the special forces involved for their “resourcefulness and bravery,” emphasizing his commitment to bringing back all hostages and remains of fallen soldiers.
Shaul fell in combat in Gaza City’s Shejaiya district on July 20, 2014, during a battle with Hamas fighters. According to Rear Adm Daniel Hagari, the retrieval involved intelligence and military units, including the Shayetet 13 marine commando.
The recovery comes amid ongoing efforts to implement a Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange deal, which was delayed due to technical issues. The ceasefire aims to secure the release of 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has held two additional Israelis killed in the 2014 conflict, including Lt Hadar Goldin. Two civilians, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who crossed into Gaza in 2014 and 2015, remain hostages.
The current conflict, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, has seen unprecedented destruction in Gaza. Israeli retaliation has resulted in over 46,900 deaths, extensive displacement, and critical shortages of essentials, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. Israel continues to target Hamas while seeking the release of 94 hostages, 34 of whom are presumed dead.
The phased ceasefire deal also includes provisions for displaced Palestinians to return, increased humanitarian aid, and Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza’s densely populated areas. Subsequent negotiations aim to secure the release of remaining hostages, complete troop withdrawal, and establish a sustainable calm. Reconstruction efforts in Gaza, projected to span years, will be integral to the final phase.
Israel’s efforts to recover hostages and remains underscore its broader mission to dismantle Hamas while addressing humanitarian crises and negotiating peace. The mission to bring Shaul home reflects a broader commitment to ensuring justice and closure for affected families.
