On Thursday morning, Kibbutz Nir Oz announced the deaths of Shlomo Mantzur, Ohad Yalaomi, Tsachi Idan, and Itzik Elgarat, following their return to Israel and identification by the Abu Kabir forensic institute.
"With deep sorrow, we announce the murder of Itzik Elgarat, of blessed memory, who was kidnapped from his home in the kibbutz on Saturday, October 7, and was murdered in captivity in Gaza," the Kibbutz wrote. "Itzik is survived by two children, a brother, and two sisters. We remember him smiling, with his huge heart and willingness to be there always, for anyone in need."
Later, the kibbutz added: "Kibbutz Nir Oz announces with great sorrow the murder of Ohad Yahalomi, of blessed memory, who was kidnapped from his home in the kibbutz and murdered in Gaza in captivity. Ohad, 50 years old at the time of his death, was a dedicated and loving family man. He loved sports and hiking was in his soul, and he was familiar with every trail and step in the desert which he loved so much."
"For years, he worked in the Nature and Parks Authority, and dedicated his life to protecting nature. Out of his great love for the desert, he published, with partners, a guide to scorpions, and he was a full partner in educational initiatives in Bedouin society.
"Ohad is survived by his wife and three young children, his family and many friends. We will always remember him as an ethical person, filled with compassion, with a love of people and the Land."
The Yahalomi family responded: "With deep sorrow, we announce the death of our beloved Ohad Yahalomi, of blessed memory. Ohad was kidnapped to Gaza from his home in Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, and was murdered in captivity. We are pained and still finding it hard to believe."
Kibbutz Kissufim announced: "The kibbutz's members mourn the murder of Shlomo Mantzur, of blessed memory, whose body was returned to Israel. Mantzur was kidnapped from the yard of his home in the kibbutz on October 7,and was murdered by terrorists in Gaza."
"Shlomo was the heart of our community - everyone's grandfather, always with a big smile. His image will always be with us."
"The Hostages and Missing Families Forum bows its head upon receiving the devastating news of the murder of Itzhak Elgarat, Tsachi Idan, Shlomo Mantzur and Ohad Yahalomi of blessed memory," the Forum said in a statement. "We received with profound sorrow the news about the identification of Shlomo Mantzur, Tsachi Idan, Itzhak Elgarat, and Ohad Yahalomi of blessed memory who have been laid to eternal rest in Israel."
"Tsachi, Itzhak, and Ohad were kidnapped alive from their homes in Kibbutz Nahal Oz and Kibbutz Nir Oz and endured a prolonged period in Hamas captivity in Gaza. They should have returned alive; they could have been saved and brought back through an agreement. Shlomo was kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Kissufim and murdered on October 7. We share in the heavy grief of the Idan, Elgarat, Mantzur and Yahalomi families."
The Forum added that "59 hostages remain in captivity with no release date in sight. We urge all decision makers to ensure the return of the last hostage by the 50th day of the agreement. The hostages have no time left - they must return home to be reunited with their families or brought to a dignified burial."
"Please respect the privacy of their families and refrain from contacting them directly during these sensitive days."
Itzhak "Itzik" Elgarat was a resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz where he served as the kibbutz's maintenance supervisor. Having lived in Denmark for many years, he was a world traveler, nature enthusiast, and devoted Maccabi Tel Aviv football fan. Family members described him as a beloved brother, the "coolest uncle," and a sociable, funny man full of joy. On October 7th, he was kidnapped from his home while on the phone with his brother Danny. Itzik was father to two children.
Tsachi Idan was a resident of Kibbutz Nahal Oz and worked in the high-tech industry, where he was known for being professional, reliable, and humble. A sports enthusiast, he enjoyed soccer, volleyball, and tennis, and was a loyal Hapoel Tel Aviv fan. On October 7th, he was kidnapped from his home in Nahal Oz. His eldest daughter Maayan was murdered during the attack. He is survived by his wife and two young children.
Shlomo Mantzur was a resident of Kibbutz Kissufim, which he helped establish at age 16 after immigrating to Israel from Iraq in 1951, where he had survived the Farhud riots. A father of five and grandfather to twelve, he was known for his energy, perpetual smile, and diverse skills. Throughout his life, he worked in various fields, including managing a chicken coop, working in a glasses factory, and studying jewelry-making and carpentry. He took particular pride in his artistic garden creations and practical abilities. On October 7th, Hamas terrorists broke into their home and kidnapped him and his wife Mazal. On their way to the terrorists' vehicle, his wife spotted an opportunity and managed to escape, while he was taken captive to Gaza.
Ohad Yahalomi was a resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz and father of three. An avid nature enthusiast, he worked as an instructor and ranger, and authored a field guide about Israeli scorpions. On October 7th, Ohad secured his family in the safe room and remained outside to engage in a firefight with Hamas terrorists. Though Ohad, his wife, and children were later kidnapped from their home, his wife and two daughters managed to escape. His son Eitan was released from captivity after 52 days.
The Prime Minister's Office responded: "Following the completion of the identification process by the IDF, the Health Ministry National Center of Forensic Medicine and the Israel Police, IDF representatives have, overnight, informed the Yahalomi, Idan, Mantzur and Elgarat families that their loved ones – Ohad Yahalomi, Tsachi Idan, Shlomo Mantzur and Itzik Elgarat, of blessed memory – were murdered and have been returned for burial in Israel."
"Pursuant to the intelligence and all of the information at our disposal, Ohad Yahalomi, Tsahi Idan and Itzik Elgarat were murdered while held hostage in Gaza. Shlomo Mantzur was murdered in the 7 October 2023 massacre and his body had been held in the Gaza Strip.
"We share in the families' sorrow at this difficult time."
In a more personal statement, Netanyahu said: "My wife Sara and I send heartfelt condolences to the families of Ohad Yahalomi, Tsachi Idan, Shlomo Mantzur and Itzik Elgarat, of blessed memory, our four deceased hostages who were returned to Israel from Hamas captivity last night."
"May their memories be blessed. May G-d avenge them. Dear families, we are in pain with you. The entire people of Israel embrace you and share in your mourning. I promise that we will continue to take relentless action until we return them all, until we bring all of our sons and daughters back home."