Missing Israeli Volunteer Medic Found Dead In Gaza After Hamas Attack

Photo : AP

Jerusalem: An Israeli who went missing during the October 7 attack by Hamas-led Palestinian gunmen and was presumed to have been taken hostage has been found dead in the border village where he lived, Israeli media reported on Monday. After lengthy forensic examinations, Israel's military confirmed the identification of the remains of Dolev Yehoud, whose surname has also been spelled Yehud in English.

Yehoud, a 35-year-old volunteer medic, was among dozens of residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz killed during the October 7 rampage, in which many homes were burned to the ground. The military statement revealed that Yehoud's remains were identified amidst the destruction left by the attackers.

Dozens of other residents from Kibbutz Nir Oz were taken by Hamas into captivity in the neighboring Hamas-run Gaza Strip. Among those captured was Yehoud's sister, Arbel, 28, according to the family.

Amidst the grief of Yehoud's disappearance, his wife gave birth to their fourth child just nine days after the attack. This birth brought a bittersweet moment to the family during a time of profound sorrow.

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The Hamas-led attack, which Israel said resulted in about 1,200 deaths in southern Israeli communities, triggered a significant Israeli offensive in Gaza aimed at eliminating the Islamist combatant group. The October 7 rampage led to extensive loss of life and considerable devastation.

During the attack, around 250 people, including foreign tourists and laborers as well as Israelis, were taken hostage in southern Israel. Scores of these hostages were freed under a truce in Gaza in late November. However, following the announcement regarding Yehoud, the Israeli government stated that 120 of the October 7 hostages were still believed to be held in Gaza. Of these, 39 have been declared dead in absentia by Israel based on witness testimony, forensic evidence, and intelligence.

The tragic identification of Dolev Yehoud's remains highlights the ongoing suffering and loss experienced by many families affected by the October 7 attack, as efforts continue to address the aftermath and support those impacted by the violence.