Israel has identified the remains handed over by Hamas on Thursday as those of 73‑year‑old Manny Godard, a kibbutz resident who was killed along with his wife during the October 7, 2023 attacks. The remains were transferred to Israeli authorities by the Red Cross and confirmed by the National Center of Forensic Medicine. The handover, part of a U.S.-brokered arrangement, leaves three deceased hostages still in Gaza. Families and advocacy groups continue to press for the return of all remaining hostages.
Israel Identifies Deceased Hostage Returned by Hamas as 73‑Year‑Old Manny Godard
Israel has identified the remains handed over by Hamas on Thursday as those of 73‑year‑old Manny Godard, a kibbutz resident who was killed along with his wife during the October 7, 2023 attacks. The remains were transferred to Israeli authorities by the Red Cross and confirmed by the National Center of Forensic Medicine. The handover, part of a U.S.-brokered arrangement, leaves three deceased hostages still in Gaza. Families and advocacy groups continue to press for the return of all remaining hostages.
07:33 AM, 11/14/2025Conflict
Israel identifies deceased hostage returned by Hamas as Manny Godard, 73
The Israeli government has confirmed that the remains handed over by Hamas on Thursday belonged to Manny Godard, 73, a resident of a kibbutz near the Gaza Strip.
Godard and his wife, Ayelet, were killed during the October 7, 2023, assault on communities bordering Gaza. According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the couple initially sheltered in their home's safe room in Be'eri Kibbutz. After their house was set ablaze they fled and were ambushed outside; the forum said that after Godard, a father of four, was killed, Ayelet hid in the bushes for several hours before she was also murdered.
The forum also noted that Godard grew up on Israel's beaches where his father worked as a lifeguard, and that he later became a lifeguard himself.
Israel’s National Center of Forensic Medicine verified his identity after Hamas released the remains to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which then transferred them to Israeli authorities. With this handover, Israeli officials say three deceased hostages remain in the Gaza Strip.
Prime Minister’s office: "Israel is determined, committed and tirelessly working to bring back all of our fallen hostages for a proper burial in their homeland."
The transfer was part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire arrangement. Israeli authorities said the remains arrived in a coffin via the Red Cross in Gaza and were moved to the national forensics laboratory for confirmation; Hamas did not specify which of the remaining deceased hostages it was returning. Hamas’ military wing earlier said the body was found near Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
This release follows a series of recent handovers of remains, including that of Lt. Hadar Goldin, killed in the final days of the 2014 conflict with Hamas. Israeli intelligence has assessed that Hamas may not be able to locate and return all remaining deceased hostages, though Hamas has continued searching in different parts of Gaza.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has continued organizing gatherings in Tel Aviv and elsewhere to press for the return of the remaining deceased hostages.
Eitan Horn, who was recently freed after 738 days in captivity, said at Hostages Square last weekend: "I cannot begin my journey of healing and recovery as long as I know there are families who are not with me on this journey. We have no future without the return of all the hostages." Other recently freed captives have expressed the same sentiment, saying they cannot fully heal until all hostages, living and deceased, are returned home.
Reporting contributions: Mohammed Tawfeeq in Atlanta.