On October 18, 2025, Israeli officials confirmed the identification and return of Ronen Engel’s remains, marking him as the tenth deceased hostage returned by Hamas. The 54-year-old resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz was killed during the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel.

Story Highlights

• The remains of Ronen Engel, a deceased Israeli hostage, have been identified and returned.
• The event is part of the aftermath of the October 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel.
• The hostage crisis remains a significant issue in Israeli politics and society.
• Families continue to push for the return of all hostages through public demonstrations.

Israeli Authorities Identify Deceased Hostage

Israeli officials confirmed the identification and return of Ronen Engel’s remains on October 18, 2025. Engel, a 54-year-old resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz, was among those killed during the large-scale attack by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023. The return of his remains is a step in efforts to provide closure to the affected families.

The identification process highlights the complexities involved in interactions with Hamas, as Israel continues negotiations for the return of hostages and remains. This development has contributed to public pressure on Israeli authorities to intensify efforts in securing the return of those still missing. The emotional impact on families and the broader Israeli public remains substantial.

Israel identifies remains of 10th deceased hostage handed over by Hamas – Fox News https://t.co/KargjCN3qT

— Deenie (@deenie7940) October 18, 2025

Background of the Hostage Crisis

The October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas was a significant assault on Israel, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of more than 200 hostages. This attack led to an Israeli military response. The hostage crisis has since become a central point for both domestic and international diplomatic efforts, with families of hostages advocating for government action through public demonstrations.

Historically, Israel has experienced similar situations, such as the 2011 Gilad Shalit exchange. However, the scale of the October 7 attack has presented unique challenges. The identification and return of Engel’s remains underscore the outcomes of these conflicts and the tasks ahead for Israeli authorities.

Implications and Future Prospects

The short-term implication of Engel’s identification and return provides closure for his family, while also amplifying calls for government accountability and action. In the long term, this event may influence future negotiations and Israeli policy regarding Hamas and similar situations. The ongoing situation continues to affect the Israeli public, contributing to collective mourning and highlighting the social and political impacts of the crisis.

As Israel addresses the complexities of recovering hostages and remains, the challenge persists. Security and intelligence sectors face obstacles in crisis management, and the international community continues to monitor the situation. The resolution of this crisis is expected to shape Israel’s future interactions with Hamas and its approach to similar threats.

Watch the report: Convoy Carrying Deceased Hostage’s Body Arrives in Tel Aviv | Israel Receives 10th Remains from Gaza

Sources:

The Jerusalem Post, “Murdered hostage Ronen Engel’s remains identified, returned”
https://www.timesofisrael.com/ronen-engel-identified-as-one-of-2-hostage-bodies-returned-to-israel-by-hamas-overnight/