On October 30th 2025, Israel confirmed the identities of two deceased hostages returned by Hamas as part of a U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement. Amiram Kuper, aged 84 years old and Sahar Baruch aged 25 were returned by Hamas to ICRC before being brought back into Israel for identification by National Institute of Forensic Medicine at Israel’s request; their families were then informed accordingly (Le Monde.fr).
Amiram Kuper, an economist and poet, was taken captive during a Hamas attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7th 2023 by Hamas militants. Nurit was released 17 days later while Amiram died officially within six months of that incident as confirmed by Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Sahar Baruch, an electrical engineering student from Kibbutz Be’eri was abducted during a simultaneous attack and killed during a failed Israeli military rescue operation two months later. Idan was also among those taken hostage during this initial assault.
Euronews
Hamas recently returned the remains of 28 deceased hostages held captive, sparking alarm among Israeli officials regarding its commitment to the terms of a ceasefire agreement. 17 out of 28 hostage remains have already been returned while 11 remain missing as of October 30, 2025.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed hope that the return of these bodies would bring some measure of comfort to families who have endured over two years of uncertainty. Israel reiterated its commitment to recovering all deceased hostages as soon as possible and called on Hamas to meet its obligations under a ceasefire agreement.
Identification and return of these remains are happening amid ongoing tensions over implementation of a ceasefire agreement, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Meanwhile, international observers continue to closely follow events, encouraging all parties involved to adhere to its terms and work toward lasting peace.