CNN
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The Israeli army mentioned Monday that Omer Maxim Neutra, an American-Israeli citizen who was beforehand believed to be alive and held hostage in Gaza, was killed throughout the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023.
Neutra, 21, served as a tank platoon commander within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) throughout the time of the assault, the IDF mentioned, including that Neutra’s physique continues to be being held hostage in Gaza. It is unclear what induced the IDF to make the announcement. In earlier instances when a hostage was declared lifeless, the discovering was primarily based on new intelligence and proof.
“Omer liked sports activities, taking part in soccer, basketball, and volleyball, and served because the captain of his college’s sports activities groups,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum mentioned in a press release. “Family and buddies described him as a heat, optimistic, and caring particular person who ‘lights up the room the second he enters.’”
Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz mentioned in a press release that Neutra “fell in a heroic battle close to Nir Oz on October 7.” Nir Oz, a small kibbutz close to Gaza in southern Israel, was one of many communities worst impacted by the phobia assaults of October 7, with one in 4 residents murdered or kidnapped.
Neutra’s mother and father Ronen and Orna Neutra spoke to CNN final week, describing the ache of getting to rejoice their second Thanksgiving with out their son on the desk.
Believing Omer to be alive, they mentioned they have been hoping the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon might function a “time to refocus” on securing his launch.
“We have seen that focus each in Israel and world wide was taken from the battle in Gaza to the battle in Lebanon within the final 4 or 5 months, and that was a priority to us,” Ronen Neutra mentioned. “But on the identical time, we’re dissatisfied that it was not mixed with a hostage deal, which is absolutely essentially the most pressing aspect proper now. We take into account it a missed alternative.”
Neutra was considered one of seven American residents held in Gaza. Four, together with Neutra, have been pronounced lifeless.
The announcement of Neutra’s demise sparked an outpouring of grief from Israeli officers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to as him “an individual of nice values, wealthy in abilities, and a Zionist in each fiber of his being.”
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, who has met Neutra’s household on a number of events, described the information of his demise as “devastating.”
“Omer was born and raised within the United States and selected to (come) to Israel, and enlist within the IDF to face within the protection of our individuals,” Herzog mentioned.
The information of Neutra’s demise got here simply days after Hamas launched a video of Edan Alexander, one of many three Israeli-American hostages nonetheless believed to be alive in Gaza.
The propaganda video was launched on Saturday. It reveals Alexander, 20, who seems to be below duress, stating he has been held captive for greater than 420 days and begging Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President-elect Donald Trump for his launch. Monday marked 423 days because the battle between Israel and Hamas erupted.
Speaking in entrance of hundreds at a rally on Saturday night time at “Hostage Square” in Tel Aviv, Alexander’s mom Yael Alexander mentioned she was “shaken by the video.”
She informed the gang she had been contacted by the Israeli chief following the discharge of the video.
“My Edan, my love, we miss you a lot. I wish to inform you that following your request, about an hour in the past, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to as me. He strengthened me and warranted me that now, after the deal in Lebanon, the circumstances are ripe to launch you and convey you residence,” she mentioned.
According to Israeli authorities, Hamas is holding 101 hostages in Gaza – 97 taken on October 7, 2023 and 4 others who have been kidnapped earlier than that. At least 37 of the hostages have now been confirmed lifeless by Israel. The hostages embody 13 girls and two kids below the age of 5, in keeping with the authorities.
