Hamas returns remains of Israeli soldier Goldin after 11 years

The Hamas movement has transferred the remains of Israeli Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, who was captured and killed during 2014 border clashes and whose body was taken to Gaza. The return of Goldin's remains after eleven years marks a significant development mediated through Turkish diplomatic channels, according to sources from Türkiye's Ministry of National Defense.

Turkish Diplomatic Breakthrough

Turkish diplomatic sources confirmed their successful mediation in securing the return of Goldin's remains to Israel after extensive negotiations. "We confirm that the return of Hadar Goldin's remains to Israel after 11 years has been successfully secured by Türkiye. This is the result of intensive diplomatic efforts," ministry sources stated, characterizing the transfer as reflecting "Hamas's clear commitment to the ceasefire."

Ongoing Evacuation Efforts

The same Turkish sources indicated that diplomatic efforts continue to secure the safe evacuation of approximately 200 Palestinian civilians currently trapped in tunnels in the Rafah area of southern Gaza. The Israeli military had previously obstructed the evacuation of an estimated 200 Hamas fighters from Rafah, using Goldin's remains as justification, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz had threatened that fighters could only leave through death or arrest.

International Diplomatic Engagement

The development coincides with a visit to Tel Aviv by US Middle East Special Representative Steve Witkoff and former advisor Jared Kushner. Diplomatic sources indicated the American officials would pressure Israel to accept the evacuation of Hamas fighters from the designated area and transition to the second phase of negotiations, while explaining that Hamas's weapons surrender condition could be addressed after the second phase completion, reflecting the complex multilateral diplomacy involving regional actors including Türkiye.