Remains of Omer Neutra, Oz Daniel and Asaf Hamami returned to Israel

Israeli authorities have confirmed the identities of three further hostages returned from Gaza on Sunday evening; with the remains of Colonel Asaf Hamami, Captain Omer Neutra and Staff Sergeant Oz Daniel conclusively determined on Monday morning. 

Oz Daniel, 19, from Kfar Saba, was murdered by Hamas terrorists in his tank on October 7, 2023, while defending Israel. His body was kidnapped into Gaza.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum described him as a “talented guitarist and Guns N’ Roses fan, Oz dreamed of a future in music. Sensitive, kind, and full of light, he was known for his optimism and compassion – always looking out for others, especially those who felt unseen.”

His mother, Merav, said she and her son “had many conversations about kidnappings and he told me ‘Mum, I won’t sit in captivity’. He did what he felt was his duty – defence, and also not to sit in captivity. That was a decision he made, he did what he always thought needed to be done in moments like those”

Lt. Col. Asaf Hamami, a fighter and commander of the Southern Brigade, fell in battle on the morning of 7 October.

A resident of Kiryat Ono, he enlisted in 2001 in the Givati Reconnaissance Battalion. He advanced through the ranks and built an impressive military career, during which he also received the Chief of Staff’s commendation. In May 2022, he was appointed commander of the Southern Brigade in the Gaza Division.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum reported: “At the change of command ceremony, he said: ‘Soldiers of the Southern Brigade, today I proudly accept command of the brigade. We shall continue to defend the residents in the sector and prepare the brigade for war.’ Asaf was known for his humility, his down-to-earth nature, his creativity, and his ability to see people and be a commander who sets a personal example for each and every one in the best possible way.”

On 7 October, he fell in battle and was abducted along with Sgt. Tomer Achims z”l and Sgt. Kirill Brodsky z”l, fighters from his command unit.

Hamami leaves behind his wife Sapir, his children Ella, Alon, and Arbel, his parents Clara and Ilan, and his brother Eitan.

Captain Omer Maxim Neutra, 22, who grew up on Long Island, New York, was murdered by Hamas terrorists on 7 October, 2023.

For over a year his fate was unknown until his family learned he had been killed on 7 October and his body kidnapped into Gaza. Omer loved sports, playing football, basketball, and volleyball, and was captain of his school’s sports teams.

Described as a “warm, optimistic person who loved people”, Omer is survived by his parents Ronen and Orna, and his brother Daniel.

In a statement, the Israel Foreign Ministry described him as “a proud lone soldier who moved to Israel, Omer was driven to stand with the Jewish people by a deep sense of duty as the grandson of Holocaust survivors. A die-hard Knicks fan, Omer loved sport, summer camp and his cats, Ronni & Lizi. Friends remember him as a “smiley goofball” who lit up every room he entered.”

Hamas still holds the remains of eight hostages in Gaza.