IDF Says Israeli American Hostage Omer Neutra Died More Than A Year Ago | rssama.com

The Israeli subject said Monday that Omer Neutra, a dual American Israeli national who was serving successful nan Israeli Defense Forces during Hamas’ onslaught connected Oct. 7, 2023, died that day.

The 21-year-old was antecedently thought to person been taken hostage, sparking dream he mightiness 1 time travel location live on pinch nan astir 100 different group believed to still beryllium successful Hamas’ captivity.

It’s unclear why nan Israeli subject refrained from clarifying that Neutra was deceased until today, pinch Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz writing connected societal media that Neutra “fell successful a heroic battle” connected Oct. 7.

Neutra’s parents, Ronen and Orna Neutra, told CNN past week they’d hoped nan ceasefire betwixt Israel and Lebanon mightiness lead to advancement connected a akin statement pinch Hamas and nan merchandise of their son.

“We person seen that attraction some successful Israel and astir nan world was taken from nan warfare successful Gaza to nan warfare successful Lebanon successful nan past 4 aliases 5 months, and that was a interest to us,” Ronen Neutra said. “But astatine nan aforesaid time, we are disappointed that it was not mixed pinch a hostage deal, which is really nan astir urgent constituent correct now. We see it a missed opportunity.”

An image of Omer Neutra hangs connected a gross successful Krakow, Poland, connected Jan. 1, 2024.

NurPhoto via Getty Images

The 2 besides visited President Joe Biden astatine nan White House little than a period ago, wherever presumably they made a akin plea.

Biden paid tribute to Omer Neutra, a Long Island native, in a statement Monday, saying he and first woman Jill Biden were “devastated and outraged” to study of Neutra’s death.

“Less than a period ago, Omer’s mother and begetter joined maine astatine nan White House to stock nan symptom they’ve endured arsenic they prayed for nan safe return of their boy — symptom nary genitor should ever know,” Biden said. “They told maine really Omer’s grandparents were Holocaust survivors and really their family’s spot and resilience has been carried done nan generations.”

“During this acheronian hr — arsenic our federation joins Omer’s parents, brother, and family successful grieving this tragic nonaccomplishment — we believe to find spot and resilience,” he continued. “And to each nan families of those still held hostage: We spot you. We are pinch you. And I will not extremity moving to bring your loved ones backmost location wherever they belong.”