Three of four returned bodies confirmed; forensic teams race to name the last

On Tuesday, Israeli hostage families confirmed that three of the four bodies handed over by Hamas from Gaza are those of Tamir Nimrodi (20), Eitan Levy (53), and Uriel Baruch (35). The identity of the fourth corpse remains under investigation.

The Hostages Families Forum—representing those with loved ones taken captive stated that forensic scientists are still trying to determine whether the fourth body belongs to another hostage. The revelation has intensified pressure on Hamas, which is obligated under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement to return all hostage remains.

So far, Israel has officially confirmed the return of seven hostages’ bodies, with 21 still unaccounted for. According to Israeli officials, the bodies it has received were transported via Red Cross vehicles. Soon after their arrival, the remains were moved to forensic laboratories for identification and confirmation.

Earlier this week, Hamas released all 20 living Israeli hostages under the terms of the ceasefire. In parallel, 45 deceased Palestinians held in Israel were transferred back to Gaza, as confirmed by the Red Cross—part of the reciprocal measures outlined in the agreement.

Frustrated by the lag in returning the full set of bodies, Israel has hinted at tightening humanitarian aid restrictions, warning of consequences if Hamas delays or refuses further transfers. Defense officials asserted that any deliberate stalling would be considered a serious violation of the agreement.

Hamas responded that locating all remains is a daunting, slow process, especially in Gaza’s heavily damaged terrain and collapsed structures. The group claims that destruction and shifting battle lines have made access and recovery extremely difficult.

The fourth body’s uncertain status is not new. Reports surfaced that in a previous handover, Hamas misidentified a body—announcing it as that of a slain hostage only for Israeli officials to later conclude it was actually not theirs. Current investigators are examining whether a similar misidentification has occurred this time.

In expressing dismay, many hostage families have publicly urged mediators, especially from the United States, to intensify pressure on Hamas. They warn that their grief may be prolonged indefinitely, and some say the issue of returning bodies could derail further phases of peace efforts.

Although the ceasefire’s first exchanges have delivered emotional reunions and partial closure, the unresolved question of the remaining bodies looms as a macabre test of compliance. As forensic teams continue their work, those awaiting answers may find the wait unbearable—but necessary to restore truth, dignity and burial rights.