A New York native kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 attack has been confirmed dead, according to the Israeli military.
Omer Neutra, 21, who was initially believed to be alive, was revealed to have been killed during the assault. His body was taken to the Gaza Strip by Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday.
Neutra, from Plainview, Long Island, had been serving as a tank commander in the IDF. “Omer was a man of values, blessed with talents, and a Zionist in every sense of the word,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. “He immigrated to Israel to enlist in the IDF, chose a combat path, and was chosen to command and lead.”
Stationed with the 7th Armored Brigade’s 77th Battalion near the Nahal Oz community, Neutra’s unit was ambushed during the Hamas attack. His tank was set ablaze, with video footage showing Hamas fighters surrounding the burning vehicle and pulling four men out.
Neutra’s parents previously told The New York Post that while the deaths of two of his fellow soldiers were confirmed after the attack, Omer was presumed alive. However, the latest IDF update confirmed his death—the fate of the fourth soldier, Sgt. Nimrod Cohen remains unknown.
This is a developing story. Further updates are expected as new information becomes available.
