Family of Lt. Hadar Goldin Awaits Confirmation as Body Believed Found in Rafah Tunnel
The family of Lt. Hadar Goldin received an update today indicating Hamas likely located his remains in a tunnel within the Rafah area, more than eleven years after he was killed in action and abducted during the 2014 conflict.
In a statement released this evening, the Goldin family expressed cautious hope, stating, “An entire nation is waiting for them to bring Hadar home. This is a mission we must and can succeed in for the sake of us all.” They added, “We await the official confirmation that Hadar has returned to Israel. We do not give up on anyone in the country, ever.” Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir visited the family home in Kfar Saba earlier today to provide updates on the ongoing efforts to recover the remains of all missing soldiers.
Lt. Goldin was killed in battle on August 1, 2014, during a breach of a 72-hour ceasefire in Operation Protective Edge. He, along with Sgt. Liel Gidoni and Maj. Benaya Sarel, were killed when a Givati Brigade reconnaissance force was attacked by militants emerging from a tunnel in Rafah. The recovery of his remains would bring closure to a decade-long campaign by his family for his repatriation, a key demand that has impacted negotiations with Hamas. Mazal Gidoni, mother of Sgt. Liel Gidoni, told reporters, “This news would be his best birthday gift,” referencing her son’s recent birthday. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the Chief of Staff’s visit and emphasized the need for restraint while verification processes are completed. You can learn more about the Israel Defense Forces here.
Israeli authorities are preparing for the possible return of Lt. Goldin’s remains tonight, pending final confirmation. The IDF spokesperson stressed the importance of allowing necessary checks and verification to be completed before any official announcement. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has heightened the urgency of securing the return of all hostages and fallen soldiers, as detailed by the Council on Foreign Relations.
Officials have stated that they are awaiting conclusive evidence and will provide further updates as soon as they become available.
