US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the life of Omer Neutra — whose remains were returned to Israel yesterday two years after he was killed and kidnapped by Hamas — “is a testament to the resolve of the Jewish people.”
“We will never forget his story, nor the ultimate sacrifice he paid for peace,” Rubio posts about Neutra, who made aliyah from New York to serve in the IDF.
US President Donald Trump spoke to Neutra’s parents shortly after their son’s body was identified by Israeli authorities last night.
“They’re thrilled in one sense, but in another sense, obviously, it’s not too great,” Trump told reporters. “We’re very happy to have done it.”
With Neutra’s return, the lone American hostage still held in Gaza is slain IDF soldier Itay Chen.
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From the Liveblog of
Monday, November 3, 2025
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