What's happened
Hadar Goldin's remains, held in Gaza since 2014, were returned to Israel on Sunday, ending an 11-year campaign by his family. The return follows the recent ceasefire and the release of other hostages, marking a significant moment of closure amid ongoing conflict.
What's behind the headline?
The return of Goldin's remains signifies a crucial step in Israel's ongoing efforts to recover missing soldiers and civilians. It highlights the long-term impact of hostage-taking on families and national morale. The event underscores the complex negotiations involved in ceasefire agreements, where the return of remains is often intertwined with broader political and military considerations. The Israeli government’s emphasis on military efforts and the criticism from families about the prolonged delay reflect ongoing tensions over how hostage and casualty issues are managed. This development is likely to influence future negotiations and could set a precedent for handling similar cases, emphasizing the importance of transparency and family involvement in such processes.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that Goldin's family expressed both relief and disappointment over the lengthy process, criticizing the government for delays. The AP highlights the military's long-standing determination that Goldin was killed, based on evidence from the tunnel where his body was found, and notes the broader context of the Gaza conflict and its casualties. The NY Post emphasizes the emotional toll on Goldin's family and the significance of his return after 11 years, with Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, praising the military's efforts. The Independent discusses the broader implications of the return, including the ongoing presence of other hostages and the historical context of Israel-Gaza conflicts, while contrasting the official narratives with Palestinian accounts of the military's actions during the retrieval efforts.
How we got here
Hadar Goldin was abducted during the 2014 Gaza conflict and was the last Israeli soldier whose remains were held in Gaza before the recent exchange. His family campaigned for over a decade for his return, which was finally achieved as part of the recent US-brokered ceasefire deal following the October 2023 Hamas attack that sparked renewed conflict.
Go deeper
Common question
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What is the story behind Hadar Goldin's remains being returned?
The return of Hadar Goldin's remains after over 11 years marks a significant moment in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Goldin was killed during the 2014 Gaza war, and his body was held by Hamas for more than a decade. His family’s persistent campaign for his return, combined with recent ceasefire negotiations, has brought closure to a long-standing emotional and political issue. This event raises important questions about the broader conflict, the fate of other hostages, and the ongoing efforts to resolve such long-term disputes. Below, we explore the key details and implications of this historic return.
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What Does the Return of Hadar Goldin's Remains Mean After 11 Years?
Hadar Goldin's return to Israel after more than a decade has captured global attention. His family’s long campaign, the recent ceasefire, and the broader conflict all play a role in this emotional and political moment. Many are asking what this event signifies for Israel, Gaza, and the ongoing conflict. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this historic return and its implications.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
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