15 Hostage Bodies Remain in Gaza as Tal Haimi is Laid to Rest Two Years After October 7 Attack

Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, Israel – Thousands gathered at Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak on Wednesday to bid their final farewell to Tal Haimi, whose body was returned from Gaza after being held for two years. Haimi, 41, was killed on October 7, 2023, while defending his community against Hamas terrorists, and his remains were subsequently abducted into the Gaza Strip. His funeral provided a somber moment of closure for his family and community, though the return of his body highlights the ongoing plight of other deceased hostages.

Haimi, a father of four and commander of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak's rapid response team, was identified as one of the 13 deceased hostages whose bodies have been returned to Israel as part of a recent ceasefire agreement. His wife, Ela Haimi, delivered a poignant eulogy, stating, "You can rest now. Nothing more can happen to you. I'm with you. No one in the world can hurt you anymore." She shared that she had touched every part of him upon his return, noting his youngest son, Lotan, born seven months after his father's death, already knows him well.

Ela Haimi recounted playing a recording of Lotan saying "Abba" and giggling, hoping her husband could hear it. She expressed the profound impact of his absence, saying, "The longing for you, Tal, finds its way into almost every moment." She also spoke of her pride, declaring, "Tal, I was proud to be your wife. I'm proud to be your widow. Thank you for 22 years together."

Tal Haimi's body was returned on Monday, October 21, 2025, as part of the ongoing ceasefire deal. This agreement has also seen the release of 20 living hostages and an exchange of Palestinian prisoners and bodies. Despite this progress, Israeli officials report that the bodies of 15 other hostages remain held in Gaza, with Hamas attributing difficulties in locating them to the extensive destruction in the area.