A senior Hamas source claimed Saturday that deceased hostage Lt. Hadar Goldin had been located in the Rafah area of the Gaza Strip and would be returned "within hours." But nearly a day later, Israel is still waiting, and Goldin is yet to be handed over.
The Israeli government confirmed Hamas' statement that the remains of Goldin, an officer in the Givati Brigade who was killed in Operation Protective Edge in 2014, were expected to be returned. On Sunday morning, a senior political official condemned the delay, calling it "a serious breach."
"Israel views the delay in returning the body of Lt. Hadar Goldin, who Hamas claims is in its possession, with the utmost severity," the official said. "Israel demands his immediate return."
"An entire nation is waiting"
Following Israel's confirmation of Hamas' announcement Saturday night, the Goldin family issued a statement: "An entire nation is waiting for Hadar to be brought home. This is a mission that must and can be fulfilled for the sake of all of us. The IDF chief of staff came to update us after Shabbat on the tremendous efforts being made to bring back the hostages, and we salute everyone involved in this national mission. We are waiting for official confirmation that Hadar has returned to Israel.
"No one in this country is ever left behind. We ask everyone to stay calm. Until it's final, it isn't over."
