The IDF stated on Monday that 21-year-old Omer Neutra had been actually killed during the massacre and the terrorists had taken his body to the Gaza strip where they have been holding it. Before now, many assumed he was still alive.
The New York Post reports that Neutra had moved from Long Island to Israel to serve in the IDF as a tank commander. His parents had spoken at the RNC to plead for the safe return of their son.
"Omer was a man of values, blessed with talents and a Zionist in every sense of the word," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. "He immigrated to Israel to enlist in the IDF, chose a combat path and was chosen to command and lead."
Trump posted in a statement on Truth Social, "Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But it’s all talk, and no action!" He added, "Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity. Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!"
New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of Neutra's funeral. “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,” she stated. “I’ve met with Omer’s brave family and learned so much about this incredible young man,” she added. “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.”
Just a day before on Sunday, Hamas posted a video of another American-Israeli hostage who had been held captive for 420 days. In the footage, 20-year-old Eden Alexander pled to Trump and Netanyahu to secure his release, ominously stating that "time is running out."
