Israel Retrieves Body of Soldier Oron Shaul in Secret Gaza Operation

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The Israeli military announced Sunday that it had successfully retrieved the body of long-lost soldier Oron Shaul in a secret operation conducted in Gaza just before the recent ceasefire with Hamas took effect. The mission, carried out by elite units including Shayetet 13 and other special forces, marks a significant development in Israel‘s efforts to recover its missing soldiers.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the operation after it was cleared for publication, stating, “In a special operation conducted by the Shin Bet and the IDF, just before the ceasefire took effect, we successfully brought back to Israel the body of Golani Brigade soldier Oron Shaul, of blessed memory.” He added, “I extend my heartfelt embrace to the Shaul family and express my deepest gratitude to the Shin Bet and IDF forces for their unwavering courage and determination.”

Shaul was killed on July 20, 2014, during Operation Protective Edge when his armored personnel carrier was struck by a Kornet anti-tank missile fired by Hamas in the Shejaiya neighborhood near Gaza City. Six other soldiers were also killed in the attack, but Shaul’s body was never recovered until this operation.

Netanyahu emphasized that the mission to recover Shaul’s body was part of a broader commitment to bring all Israeli captives home. “For many years, the images of Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, of blessed memory—who fell during Operation Protective Edge in 2014—have stood in my office as a daily reminder of my commitment to bringing them home,” he said. “Tonight, we fulfilled the mission of returning Oron. We will not rest, and we will not stop until Hadar Goldin is also brought back to Israel.”

Hadar Goldin, another soldier killed during the 2014 conflict, remains in Hamas custody. His body was taken during an ambush in August 2014, and no details have been provided on when or how it might be recovered. Under the current ceasefire agreement, the return of Goldin’s body and two living Israeli hostages held by Hamas is expected to be negotiated during later phases of the deal.

The Israeli government has not disclosed the exact location in Gaza where Shaul’s body was retrieved, citing national security concerns. The operation underscores Israel’s ongoing efforts to honor its fallen soldiers and bring closure to their families, even years after their deaths.