Tel Aviv:Â The Israeli military confirmed that 86-year-old Shlomo Mansour was killed during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack. His body remains in Gaza.
Attack Details
Mansour was abducted from his home in Kibbutz Kissufim while his wife, Mazal, managed to escape. Intelligence reports confirmed his death.
His name was listed among 33 hostages to be released under a ceasefire deal. However, his body was never returned.
Hostage Exchange
Since January 19, Hamas has freed 16 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Seventeen Israeli hostages remain, including two children and several older men. Eight are confirmed dead, but their names were undisclosed.
Ceasefire Dispute
Hamas threatened to delay the next hostage release, citing Israeli violations. This prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to suggest canceling the deal.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called Hamas’s actions a breach of the ceasefire and ordered the military to prepare for potential escalation.
Mansour’s Life
Born in Baghdad, Mansour survived the 1941 Farhud pogrom against Jews and later emigrated to Israel at 13.
He helped establish Kibbutz Kissufim, where he worked in agriculture and manufacturing.
On October 7, Hamas gunmen broke into his home, handcuffed him, and took him to Gaza.
The Israeli military informed his family that he was murdered before his body was taken.
Netanyahu’s Statement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences on Facebook, calling Mansour a “builder of the country.”
“We will neither rest nor be silent until he is returned for burial in Israel,” Netanyahu said.
He vowed to continue efforts to bring back all hostages, both living and deceased.
Families’ Reaction
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed deep sorrow over Mansour’s confirmed death.
Efforts continue to return his body and secure the release of remaining hostages.
