UPDATE: Parents of slain U.S.-Israeli hostage Omer Neutra are urgently pleading with Hamas to return their son’s remains as the militant group fails to meet terms set by a peace agreement. Orna and Ronen Neutra expressed their anguish and frustration during an emotional appearance on “Fox & Friends,” revealing the intense waiting game they have endured since their son was taken hostage during Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
“We came here on Sunday, prepared to receive him on Monday, but when only four hostages were released and our son wasn’t among them, it was devastating,” said Orna Neutra, highlighting the ongoing nightmare for families like theirs. The Neutras are not alone; the family of Itay Chen, another U.S.-Israeli hostage, is also anxiously waiting for the return of their loved one’s remains.
In a striking development, the Trump administration has successfully negotiated the release of all living Israeli hostages, yet Hamas has failed to return the remains of Omer Neutra and one other American, despite the group’s promises. The Neutras are now calling on the U.S. government to leverage its influence with Middle East mediators to ensure these remains are returned.
“We may lose our boy forever,” Ronen Neutra warned. “Our tradition calls for a burial place for us to go and start our mourning process, and we don’t have it for over two years.” The parents are deeply concerned that if the situation doesn’t change, renewed conflict could erupt, complicating any future negotiations.
The emotional toll on the families is immense, as Orna explained how they spend sleepless nights waiting for news. “We stay awake all night because they usually have been brought back to Israel after midnight and only identified by 3 or 4 a.m.,” she said. “All the families are holding their breath, only to realize that he still is not back and now Hamas is saying that they can’t release any others.”
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that a body turned over by Hamas does not match any known hostages, further complicating the situation. The Neutras, along with other families, are left in anguish, holding on to hope that their loved ones’ remains will be returned soon.
As tensions mount, the Neutras emphasize the need for immediate action. Ronen called for both sides to come together and adhere to the first stages of the agreement, which includes the return of deceased hostages. “If they don’t come out, this ceasefire is going to collapse, and this is going to be horrible,” he said.
The world is watching as this tragic situation unfolds, and the Neutras’ plea is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. As families wait for answers, the urgency for action is more critical than ever.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
