The remains of Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old American-Israeli soldier killed during the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, have been returned to Israel. President Donald Trump announced the return on Sunday night, stating that Neutra's body was among three that Hamas transferred to Israeli authorities.

Neutra, who grew up in Plainview, New York, joined the Israeli army after graduating from the Schechter School of Long Island. He was an honors student and excelled in sports, serving as captain of his basketball, soccer, and volleyball teams.

"I spoke to his parents, Ronen and Orna Neutra. They're thrilled, in one sense, but in another sense, obviously not too great. But we're very happy. We have three. We got three bodies back today. ... We're looking for the remainder," Trump said.

The Instagram account Bring Omer Home, associated with Neutra's family, confirmed the return of his remains for burial in Israel. The post expressed condolences, stating, "May Omer's memory be a blessing. May his family be comforted among all who mourn."

The October 7 attacks resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, primarily civilians, according to the Israeli government. In response, Israel's military operations in Gaza have reportedly led to over 68,800 Palestinian deaths, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.

A ceasefire was established last month, but eight deceased captives remain in Gaza, including Itay Chen, a 19-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli national whose body has not yet been returned.

In a previous interview, Orna Neutra emphasized the importance of bringing her son home for a proper burial, stating, "In Jewish tradition, you don't just leave the body. You're supposed to bury it almost immediately." She described the wait for her son's remains as "surreal" and highlighted the need for closure for families affected by the attacks.

For over a year, the Neutras held onto hope that Omer would be found alive. However, in December 2024, Israeli defense officials confirmed that he had been killed during the attacks while serving as a tank platoon commander.

Following the announcement of his death, memorial services were held in his honor, and his hometown of Plainview named a street and park after him.

On Sunday, Rep. Tom Suozzi, whose district includes Plainview, expressed his condolences on social media, stating, "This is the end of a bitter chapter for the Neutra family. I pray that they can find some peace." New York Governor Kathy Hochul also acknowledged the family's advocacy for Neutra, stating, "Omer’s loved ones have advocated fiercely for him and now, his body has finally been returned for proper burial. May his memory be a blessing."