WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Israeli military said Monday that Omer Maxim Neutra, an American-Israeli citizen who was previously believed to be alive and held hostage in Gaza, was killed during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
Neutra, 21, served as a tank platoon commander in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the time of the attack, the IDF said, adding that Neutra's body is still being held hostage in Gaza. It is unclear what caused the IDF to make the announcement. In previous cases when a hostage was declared dead, the finding was based on new intelligence and evidence.
"Omer loved sports, playing soccer, basketball, and volleyball, and served as the captain of his school's sports teams," the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement. "Family and friends described him as a warm, optimistic, and caring individual who 'lights up the room the moment he enters.'"
Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a statement that Neutra "fell in a heroic battle near Nir Oz on October 7." Nir Oz, a small kibbutz near Gaza in southern Israel, was one of the communities worst impacted by the terror attacks of October 7.
Neutra's parents Ronen and Orna Neutra spoke to CNN last week about their pain during Thanksgiving without their son at home.
"We have seen that attention both in Israel and around the world was taken from the war in Gaza to the war in Lebanon," Ronen Neutra said. "But at the same time we are disappointed that it was not combined with a hostage deal."
Neutra was one of seven American citizens held in Gaza. Four have been pronounced dead.
US President Joe Biden stated he and first lady Jill Biden were "devastated and outraged" following Neutra's death announcement.
"Less than a month ago," Biden wrote. "Omer's mother and father joined me at The White House... pain no parent should ever know."
"During this dark hour... we pray to find strength... And I will not stop working to bring your loved ones back home where they belong," added President Biden.
The announcement sparked grief from Israeli officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called him "a person of great values." President Isaac Herzog described his death as "devastating."
"Omer chose to come to Israel...to stand for our people," Herzog stated.
The news came after Hamas released video footage showing Edan Alexander under duress pleading for release after being captive for over 420 days since conflict erupted between Israel and Hamas.