Joshua Loitu Mollel's Body Returned After 761 Days in Hamas Captivity

The body of Joshua Loitu Mollel, a Tanzanian agricultural intern, has been returned to Israel after 761 days in Hamas captivity, following his death during the October 7, 2023, attacks. The return, facilitated under a US-brokered ceasefire deal, brings a measure of closure to his family and marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to repatriate all hostages. Mollel's remains were subsequently prepared for transport to Tanzania for burial. Mollel, 21, had arrived in Israel just 19 days before the Hamas-led assault, participating in an agricultural training program at Kibbutz Nahal Oz. He was killed during the attack and his body was subsequently taken into Gaza by Hamas militants. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office confirmed his identification following forensic tests, expressing deep sorrow for his family and all families of fallen hostages. Hamas's military wing handed over Mollel's remains to the Red Cross on Wednesday evening, after recovering the body in the eastern Shejaiya neighborhood of Gaza City. This transfer was part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal, which stipulated the return of both living and deceased hostages. The Israeli Foreign Ministry noted, "While Joshua wasn’t an Israeli citizen, over the past 2 years we Israelis adopted him into our hearts." The return of Mollel's body highlights the complex nature of the hostage negotiations and the humanitarian efforts involved. His case had drawn international attention, with many questioning Hamas's reasons for holding the body of a Tanzanian Christian. As Eyal Yakoby stated in a social media post, "> Israel risked the lives of its own citizens to bring him back. For what reason did Hamas hold the body of a Tanzanian Christian?" Mollel's father, Sinduani Mollel, expressed gratitude to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum and the Israeli nation for their efforts. His return means that six deceased hostages, including five Israelis and one Thai national, still remain in Gaza. The Israeli government has reiterated its commitment to bringing all remaining fallen hostages home, emphasizing that Hamas is required to fulfill its commitments under the agreement.