IDF: Body of Elyakim Libman — presumed hostage since Oct. 7 — found in Israel

Elyakim Libman, who was thought to have been abducted by Hamas on October 7, has been declared dead after his body was found in Israel.

The IDF says military representatives, along with members of the Institute of Forensic Medicine and Health Ministry, notified Libman’s family of the findings today.

His death was based on “findings that were identified following a complex investigation” carried out by the IDF, police, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Health Ministry, the military says.

Libman was working as a security guard at the Supernova desert rave on October 7, when Hamas terrorists launched an assault at the party, killing and kidnapping partygoers.

According to his family, Libman stayed behind for hours treating other wounded people until he was killed.

He was initially thought to have been taken hostage, as his body was not found. According to Hebrew-language media reports, his remains had been buried alongside another victim from the Nova festival, in an error.

The development lowers the number of hostages taken on October 7 from 253 to 252.