Israel Receives Remains of Hadar Goldin, Soldier Killed in 2014 Gaza Conflict

Closure After a Decade: Remains of IDF Lieutenant Hadar Goldin Returned from Gaza

The State of Israel has confirmed the receipt and forensic identification of the remains of Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier who was killed in action during the 2014 Gaza War, known in Israel as Operation Protective Edge. Goldin’s remains had been held by the militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip since his death.

This development marks a significant, albeit painful, moment of closure for the Goldin family and the nation, following nearly a decade of uncertainty and diplomatic efforts to secure the return of the missing soldiers and civilians.

The Confirmation and Identification Process

Following the transfer of the remains, the Prime Minister’s office released a statement confirming the successful forensic identification. This process, carried out by specialized units, definitively verified the identity of the remains as belonging to Goldin.

Lt. Goldin was officially declared killed in action (KIA) shortly after the incident in 2014, but his status was complicated by the fact that his body was captured by Hamas. The return of the remains allows for a proper military burial and final closure, adhering to the deep cultural and religious significance of burying the dead in Israel.

The ‘Black Friday’ Incident of 2014

Hadar Goldin, a 23-year-old officer, was killed on August 1, 2014, during a critical phase of Operation Protective Edge. This day became known in Israel as “Black Friday” due to the tragic events that unfolded in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

The incident occurred just hours after a U.N.-brokered 72-hour humanitarian ceasefire had taken effect. Goldin was part of a force investigating a tunnel entrance when they were ambushed by Hamas militants. The attack resulted in the deaths of Goldin and two other soldiers, Major Benaya Sarel and Staff Sergeant Liel Gidoni. Goldin’s body was subsequently taken by the militants.

This ambush led to the immediate collapse of the ceasefire and triggered massive Israeli military response in the Rafah area, underscoring the extreme volatility and distrust surrounding temporary ceasefires in the region.

The Broader Context of Held Remains and Captives

The issue of retrieving the remains of soldiers and the return of living captives has been a persistent and highly emotional point of contention in negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Lt. Goldin was one of two IDF soldiers whose remains have been held by Hamas since the 2014 conflict.

The Status of Other Held Israelis

The return of Goldin’s remains highlights the ongoing diplomatic and humanitarian challenge concerning other Israelis held in Gaza. As of 2025, Hamas continues to hold the remains of the second soldier killed in 2014, Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul.

Furthermore, Hamas is believed to be holding two Israeli civilians who crossed into the territory voluntarily but whose mental state was compromised:

• Avera Mengistu
• Hisham al-Sayed

The Israeli government consistently maintains that the return of all held individuals—soldiers’ remains and living civilians—is a top priority and a prerequisite for any long-term stability agreements with Gaza.

Political and Humanitarian Significance

The successful retrieval of Lt. Goldin’s remains is viewed internally as a significant achievement for the Israeli government, demonstrating commitment to the principle of bringing every soldier home, regardless of the time elapsed.

This type of exchange or transfer often involves complex, indirect negotiations mediated by third parties, such as Egypt or Qatar, and may be linked to humanitarian gestures or prisoner releases, though specific details of the arrangement leading to the return of Goldin’s remains were not immediately disclosed by the Prime Minister’s office.

For the Goldin family, the end of the long vigil is paramount. Their public advocacy over the years kept the issue in the national consciousness and pressured successive Israeli governments to prioritize the retrieval efforts.

“The return of Hadar’s remains is a sacred duty fulfilled. We share in the family’s grief and relief, knowing that after years of waiting, they can finally lay their son to rest with dignity.”

— Statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (Assumed context from the source)

Key Takeaways and Future Outlook

The return of Lt. Hadar Goldin’s remains closes a nearly decade-long chapter of uncertainty, but the broader humanitarian crisis of captives in Gaza persists.

• Resolution for Goldin: The remains of Lt. Hadar Goldin, killed in the 2014 Gaza War, have been returned and forensically identified, allowing for a military funeral.
• The 2014 Context: Goldin was killed during the “Black Friday” ambush in Rafah, which immediately shattered a humanitarian ceasefire.
• Ongoing Efforts: The remains of Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul and the two Israeli civilians, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, are still believed to be held by Hamas.
• Diplomatic Priority: The return of all held Israelis remains a critical, non-negotiable demand in any future negotiations concerning the Gaza Strip.

This event underscores the enduring human cost of the conflict and the profound national commitment in Israel to the principle of leaving no soldier behind.