Israel identifies 2 deceased hostages returned by Hamas via Red Cross

Israel identified two of the four hostages whose coffins it received from Hamas through the Red Cross on Monday and announced their causes of death.

“IDF representatives notified the families of Guy Iluz, Bipin Joshi and two other deceased hostages, whose names have not yet been released by their families for publication, that their loved ones have been returned for burial.” Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday.

The IDF said its intelligence showed that Iluz was kidnapped alive and wounded by Hamas after escaping from the Nova music festival. He later succumbed to his injuries because he did not receive proper medical treatment, the IDF said. Iluz was 26 years old at the time of his death.

DOZENS KILLED IN VIOLENCE BETWEEN HAMAS AND ARMED CLANS IN GAZA

According to the IDF, Joshi was kidnapped from Kibbutz Alumim, where he was hiding in a bomb shelter. The IDF said the assessment revealed that Joshi was killed in captivity in the first months of the war. He was 23 years old.

The IDF said final results will be determined after the National Forensic Center completes its investigation. The identities of the other two hostages who died have not yet been disclosed.

People walk past posters of hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on October 10, 2025. (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images)

ISRAELI HOSTAGES MEET WITH THEIR FAMILIES IN EMOTIONAL MOMENTS

“The families of the hostages and returnees embrace the families of Guy Illouz and Bipin Joshi, as well as two families whose loved ones were recently sent back for proper burial,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement. The statement was included.

“Along with the pain and understanding that their hearts can never be whole, the return of Guy and Bipin brings some comfort to the families who have lived with painful uncertainty and doubt for over two years, may their memories along with the two dead hostages be a blessing. We will not rest until all 24 hostages are brought home,” the forum said. he added.

Three photos of families reunited with hostages released by Hamas on Monday, October 13, 2025, when the ceasefire agreement came into force. (IDF)

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

On Monday, the last 20 surviving hostages were released after more than two years in captivity. Hamas was supposed to hand over the remains of 28 dead hostages, as well as the living hostages, by Monday, but the terror group said it would have difficulty locating all the bodies. Times of Israel reported.

The IDF said it “continues to make every effort to return all hostages, as Hamas must fulfill its part of the agreement and make the necessary efforts to return all hostages to their families for proper burial.”

The bodies of 24 hostages, including US citizens Itay Chen and Omer Neutera, are still in Gaza.