Gaza Border, March 30, 2025 – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the recovery of forensic evidence tied to Manny Menachem Godard, a 73-year-old victim of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Kibbutz Be’eri.
The findings were retrieved from a Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) outpost near Rafah in southern Gaza during a military operation aimed at locating the remains of a victim.
The victim, Godard, was abducted and murdered during the assault. It is believed that his remains are still being held in Gaza, although only partial remains have been identified thus far. The National Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Israel Police have confirmed the authenticity of the recovered traces.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) pledged to continue efforts to recover Godard’s body fully and confirmed that his family had been notified. His wife, Ayelet Godard, 63, was also killed in the massacre on October 7.
Family Calls for Hostage Deal Amid Ongoing Negotiations
Godard’s daughter, Bar, expressed gratitude for the military’s efforts but urged caution, emphasizing that further recovery missions should not risk additional lives. She advocated for a comprehensive agreement to secure the release of all remaining hostages.
According to IDF estimates, there are currently 59 individuals still held in Gaza, including at least 35 confirmed deceased whose bodies have not yet been repatriated.
Hamas Signals Willingness for Partial Hostage Release
In a related development, Arab media reported on Sunday that Hamas has indicated a willingness to release 21-year-old IDF soldier Edan Alexander—a dual Israeli-American citizen—along with four other hostages as part of a proposed 50-day ceasefire coinciding with Eid al-Fitr.
U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly supports this framework.
Negotiations are ongoing, with mediators working toward a potential agreement before the start of Passover.
Reporting by M10News
