A woman looks at a wall with photos of hostages kidnapped and taken to Gaza by Hamas during its October 7 attack on Israel. (Amir Levy / Getty Images)
WASHINGTON D.C. (WSAU) – A U.S. citizen, who many believed spent over a year as a hostage of the terrorist organization Hamas has been confirmed dead by the Israeli military.
According to the New York Post, Omer Neutra, 21, who was from Plainview, Long Island, and a member of the IDF’s 7th Armored Brigade’s 77th Battalion was confirmed to have died after his tank was set on fire by Hamas terrorists, leading his body to be taken into the Gaza Strip during Hamas’s October 7th terrorist attack against Israel last fall.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement regarding Nautra’s death saying, “Omer was a man of values, blessed with talents and a Zionist in every sense of the word,” and “He immigrated to Israel to enlist in the IDF, chose a combat path and was chosen to command and lead.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also spoke about Nautra’s death saying, “For months we’ve prayed for the safe return of Omer Neutra and all those kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th. This horrific news shakes all New Yorkers to our core. I’ve met with Omer’s brave family and learned so much about this incredible young man. As we mourn this tragedy, let us continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages, an end to the war without Hamas in power, and a lasting peace.”
In addition to Neutra, a total of 251 captives were abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7th, 97 of whom are reportedly still in Gaza. At least 35 of the hostages have been confirmed dead, according to the IDF.
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