The emotional journey of a daughter whose father was taken hostage in Gaza during the horrific events of October 7 has taken a poignant turn.
Sharone Lifshitz shared her deep feelings of both loss and relief after her father’s body was returned to Israel in February 2025, following his tragic death in captivity.
A Painful but Profound Return of Her Father’s Remains
Sharone Lifshitz’s father, 83-year-old Oded Lifshitz, was abducted from his home by Hamas alongside his wife, Yocheved.
While Yocheved was released in October 2023, Oded remained in captivity until his tragic death.
Sharone explained that receiving her father’s remains back was both a relief and an incredibly meaningful moment for her.
Although not the outcome they had hoped for, the chance to finally say goodbye brought some closure to an incredibly painful chapter.
She shared with BBC News, “It’s not the outcome we were hoping for. But it’s a relief to know that he is not suffering.
We were so worried about his well-being and suffering, and he suffered before he died.
He died in the most horrific circumstances possible.” For Sharone, being able to bury her father and bring him home away from the horrors of his last days felt profoundly important.
Honoring His Memory at a Memorial Event
Sharone Lifshitz’s reflection on the return of her father’s remains took place during a memorial event for those who lost loved ones or had family members taken hostage on October 7.
The event, held at the JW3 Community Centre, brought together hundreds of people, including MPs and the Chief Rabbi, who came to honor the lives affected by the tragedy.
Sharone expressed how difficult it was to reconcile the fact that her family wasn’t by her father’s side when he passed.
The official word from the Israeli Government confirmed that Oded Lifshitz had been murdered while in captivity, and his body was returned along with those of other hostages, including Ariel and Kfir Bibas.
However, a mix-up in the remains handed over saw another woman’s body mistakenly returned instead of Shiri Bibas’s, though Shiri’s remains were later properly returned.
Israeli Government’s Ceasefire Talks and Hostage Release Efforts
The return of Oded Lifshitz’s body comes amid ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding ceasefire talks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently commented that Israel is prepared to continue negotiations based on a U.S. proposal that would include the release of 11 living hostages and half of the deceased ones.
Netanyahu also emphasized that talks would continue, and progress was being made on the release of these hostages.
In a statement on X, Netanyahu confirmed that the negotiation teams had been tasked with preparing for the continuation of these talks, especially concerning the release of the hostages and deceased captives.
This follows a significant announcement from Hamas, who stated that they would release the final living American-Israeli hostage, Edan Alexander, after being held for 525 days.
Additionally, four other deceased hostages are set to be returned.
The Ceasefire Deal and Its Impact on Future Talks
Hamas has also specified that this release is contingent upon Israel adhering to a ceasefire agreement.
The group considers the proposed deal as “exceptional” and a necessary step toward revitalizing the truce.
A senior Hamas official outlined that the second phase of the ceasefire talks must begin immediately upon the release of the hostages and must conclude within 50 days.
Furthermore, Israel would need to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid and pull back from strategic positions along Gaza’s border with Egypt.
This development marks another significant step in the ongoing complex and delicate negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with the return of hostages and their remains remaining central to the discussions.