NEW YORK — U.S.-Israeli hostage Omer Neutra is confirmed useless in Gaza, the Israel Protection Forces introduced on Monday.
The IDF says the 21-year-old from Lengthy Island was killed combating Hamas militants throughout the Oct. 7 bloodbath. His physique was taken into Gaza, the place it’s nonetheless being held by Hamas.
“The Neutra household is deeply grieving and devastated with the information. They’re at the moment requesting the general public who has been very supportive all through this journey to please respect their privateness till they’re formally able to announce the subsequent steps,” a spokesperson for the household mentioned in a press release Monday.
Neutra had deferred his enrollment at SUNY Binghamton to hitch the IDF after highschool.
“We simply realized that this prayer could not be answered for the household of Omer Neutra. Omer was barbarically murdered by Hamas within the October 7 assaults,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul mentioned in a press release. “We pray that his physique may be returned to his household, who’ve been talking out for him & all hostages since that horrific day.”
City of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino mentioned in a press release flags will probably be flown at half workers Monday in honor Neutra.
“It’s with deep unhappiness that we study of the tragic lack of Omer Neutra, a beloved son of the City of Oyster Bay and IDF soldier, who was killed by Hamas terrorists. This heartbreaking information is a profound reminder of the immense sacrifices made by people who stand in service to guard and defend democracy around the globe,” his assertion learn partially. “Our ideas and prayers are with Omer’s household, pals, and all who beloved him. It is a time of insufferable grief and a tragic loss for our total city.”
Households of hostages reply to Hamas propaganda video
Over the weekend, Neutra’s mother and father spoke at a rally in Central Park, alongside the daddy of one other Israeli-American hostage.
Edan Alexander, 20, grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey and joined the Israel Protection Forces out of highschool. He was seen alive in a new propaganda video launched by Hamas on Saturday.
His father described seeing him within the video as each emotional and disturbing, however mentioned the household was blissful to get an indication of life.
Israel says 97 hostages stay in captivity.
Stick to CBS Information New York for the newest updates on this growing story.