The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Monday that the remains of 21-year-old American-Israeli soldier, Capt. Omer Neutra, are being held by Hamas in Gaza. Neutra, a tank platoon commander, was killed in action on October 7, 2023, during the Hamas attack. Originally, it was feared he was alive and held captive.
Neutra, from Long Island, New York, served in the Armored Corps 77th Battalion, 7th Brigade. He was killed during the Hamas attack on the Nova Music Festival, as reported by ABC 7 New York.
The confirmation of Neutra's death adds him to the list of seven American hostages currently held by Hamas in Gaza. Their families marked another Thanksgiving without their loved ones, continuing to plead for their safe return.
With the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations and the ongoing Israeli military operations against Hamas, hopes for the hostages' release remain uncertain. Some families are looking towards the incoming Trump administration, hoping for a shift in negotiation tactics that might lead to the return of their loved ones. President-elect Trump has issued strong statements demanding the hostages' release before he takes office.
The other American hostages held captive include Edan Alexander, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Gadi Haggai, Judi Weinstein Haggai, and Keith Siegel.
