Israel Marks One Year Since Return of Fallen Soldier Hadar Goldin
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Israel is commemorating one year since the return of Second Lieutenant Hadar Goldin's body, who was held by Hamas for 11 years. The return followed the arrest of Marwan Alhametz, suspected of knowing Goldin's burial location in a Rafah tunnel. The IDF uncovered and sealed a 16-kilometer tunnel system used by Hamas commanders, with the deepest level at 30 meters.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel marks one year since the return of Second Lieutenant Hadar Goldin's body after 11 years in Hamas captivity.
- The arrest of Marwan Alhametz in July 2025 was key to locating Goldin's burial site in a Rafah tunnel.
- IDF forces uncovered a 16-kilometer underground tunnel system where Goldin was held, with levels up to 30 meters deep.
- The tunnel system, used by senior Hamas commanders, was located beneath sensitive civilian areas.
- The tunnel shaft was destroyed, and the entire network was sealed with over 30,000 cubic meters of concrete.
Israel is marking one year since the return of Second Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, who was held by Hamas for 11 years after falling in battle during Operation Protective Edge in August 2014. His body was returned to Israel on November 9th, following extensive intelligence and operational efforts.
Central to these efforts was the arrest of a Hamas operative, Marwan Alhametz, in July 2025. Alhametz is suspected of knowing the location where Goldin was buried in a tunnel in Rafah. This arrest was part of numerous covert operations aimed at bringing Goldin back for burial in Israel.
IDF forces uncovered a complex underground tunnel system in southern Rafah, spanning over 10 kilometers, where Goldin was held. The system had three levels, with the deepest reaching 30 meters below ground. This network, located beneath sensitive civilian areas including schools and UNRWA facilities, contained approximately 80 rooms used by senior Hamas commanders for operations and planning.
Shortly after Goldin's return in November 2025, the Nahal Brigade's combat team destroyed the shaft from which he was abducted. In late June 2026, elite Yahalom and Shayetet 13 units sealed the extensive tunnel network, measuring over 16 kilometers, using more than 30,000 cubic meters of concrete.
Goldin, who fell at the age of 23, is survived by his parents, a sister, and two brothers. His family had been vocal in their calls for his return and criticized the state's perceived inaction until his body was brought back for burial. The identification process was completed by the National Center of Forensic Medicine, Israeli Police, and Military Rabbinate.
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