The Israeli American soldier Omer Neutra, who was initially thought to have been captured alive by Hamas during a terror attack in October 2023, was actually killed in battle and his body was taken into the Gaza Strip. Neutra, a 21-year-old New York native, served as a tank platoon commander after emigrating to Israel. The Israeli Defense Minister confirmed his death and paid tribute to him, stating that he fell in battle in Nir Oz near the Gaza border. Neutra had been posthumously promoted to the rank of captain.
Around 250 people were taken hostage during the Hamas attacks, with approximately 100 still in captivity, although some are believed to be dead. Neutra’s body is still being held by Hamas, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. Neutra is survived by his parents and brother, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended condolences to the family. Neutra’s parents have been actively advocating for the release of hostages.
The news of Neutra’s death came shortly after the mother of another Israeli American hostage, Edan Alexander, was relieved to see her son in a Hamas propaganda video. Alexander called on President-elect Donald Trump to negotiate for the release of those still in captivity. Talks have been ongoing between Hamas and Egyptian security officials to secure the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in significant casualties, with little progress in securing the hostages’ release.
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