An American-Israeli dual citizen, who was believed to be held hostage in Gaza, was in fact killed during Hamas’s Oct. 7 terrorist attack, Israel Defense Forces announced Monday.
Omer Neutra, 21, was presumed alive after being taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023, but recent intelligence gathered by the Israeli military confirmed his death on the day of the attack, according to the Jerusalem Post. Neutra, whose body remains in Gaza, grew up on Long Island and was serving in the Israeli military as a tank commander during Hamas’s invasion of southern Israel, Fox News reported.
Neutra’s parents, Orna and Ronen, have been vocal campaigners for the release of their son and the dozens of hostages still held in Gaza. They addressed the Republican National Convention in July and met with President Joe Biden and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
On Thanksgiving Day, Neutra’s parents renewed their calls for Hamas to release the hostages.
"For us, it’s no holiday," Neutra’s father said during a CNN interview. "Our holiday table is empty a second year in a row. Omer is not there. We are hoping this is the last year that we are in this situation."
Netanyahu on Monday praised Neutra as "a hero of the Israeli army."
"Omer was a man of values, blessed with talents and a Zionist in every aspect of his being," Netanyahu said in a statement. "He immigrated to Israel to enlist in the I.D.F., chose a combat path and was chosen to command and lead."
At least four of the seven American hostages in Gaza are now presumed dead.