The Hostage Family Forum says that the body returned by the Hamas overnight has been identified as that of Eliyahu “Churchill” Margalit, 75.
Margalit was murdered by Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023 and his body kidnapped.
On December 1, 2023, the IDF announced that Eliyahu had been killed and his body was being held in Gaza.
The military said it made its declaration “based on findings that were collected, and intelligence.” His daughter, Nili Margalit, 40, was also kidnapped on October 7, and was released from Hamas captivity on November 30.
He is survived by his wife, Daphna, children Noa, Danny and Nili and three grandchildren.
Loved ones reported that Eliyahu left his home early that Saturday morning to feed his beloved horses in the kibbutz stable and that his horses were also taken along with him.
Eliyahu was responsible for many years for the kibbutz’s cattle.
Following the return of Margalit’s body, 18 bodies of dead captives still remain in the Gaza Strip after 28 were held there at the start of the current ceasefire.
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From the Liveblog of
Saturday, October 18, 2025
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