Remains returned by Hamas identified as Arie Zalmanowicz and another hostage

The Prime Minister’s Office announces that the remains returned from Gaza have been identified as Arie “Zalman” Zalmanowicz and another hostage held by Hamas whose family has not yet cleared the name for publication.

Zalmanowicz, 85, from Kibbutz Nir Oz, was kidnapped from his home during the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, terror onslaught and died in captivity. The IDF says that forensic analysts are working to determine the cause of death, noting the date he died has been declared as November 17, 2023.

Hostage Farhan al-Qadi, who was rescued by Israeli troops in August 2024, recounted that he was held in a Gaza hospital with Arie, who was diabetic, and was with him when died due to lack of treatment, malnutrition and neglect.

Zalmanowicz is survived by his two sons, Boaz and Yoav, and five grandchildren, who sat shiva for him after authorities declared his death but could not hold a funeral without his body. His wife, Ruth, died in 1997.