IDF Special Forces Retrieve Body of Oron Shaul from Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet have successfully retrieved the body of Oron Shaul, a soldier who had been missing for over a decade since the 2014 Gaza conflict. The operation, carried out by Shayetet 13 and other special forces, took place just before the ceasefire with Hamas went into effect. The IDF has kept details of the operation confidential for security reasons, including the location where Shaul’s body was kept. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz both expressed gratitude to the forces involved and extended condolences to the Shaul family.

Oron Shaul, a soldier in the Golani Brigade, was killed during the Battle of Shuja'iyya in Gaza during Operation Protective Edge in 2014. His body was taken by Hamas after the attack on his armored personnel carrier. Despite numerous efforts, Shaul's remains had not been returned until this operation.

In a statement, Netanyahu expressed his heartfelt embrace to the Shaul family, stating that the successful operation marked a significant milestone, but also reaffirming Israel’s commitment to bringing home all soldiers and hostages, including Hadar Goldin, who was also captured and killed during the same operation.

Defense Minister Katz also expressed the importance of this recovery, noting the closure it brings to the Shaul family, while acknowledging the ongoing fight to bring all missing soldiers home, including Hadar Goldin.

The Hostage Families Forum, which represents families of those missing or held by Hamas, also welcomed the return of Oron Shaul’s body. They emphasized that this operation was an essential step in fulfilling Israel's moral obligation to its citizens and reiterated their relentless pursuit to bring all hostages back home.

The family of Hadar Goldin, still waiting for his return, was also in the thoughts of Israeli leaders, and both Netanyahu and Katz pledged to continue working for the release of all Israeli captives.

The retrieval of Oron Shaul's remains is a moment of solemn closure for his family, marking a painful chapter in Israel's ongoing efforts to bring all its missing soldiers home.