In a statement issued overnight, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Foreign Ministry reported that Mollel’s remains were identified by forensic experts after being returned from Gaza. Officials personally informed his family of the confirmation.

The 21-year-old Tanzanian was working as an agricultural intern at Kibbutz Nahal Oz, near the Gaza border, when Hamas militants launched their deadly assault. He was taken captive and later murdered, with his body taken into Gaza.

Mollel’s repatriation marks another somber moment in Israel’s ongoing efforts to recover the remains of victims held in Gaza. Authorities say six bodies of murdered hostages are still believed to be in Hamas custody.

The return comes shortly after Israel held a government briefing following the recovery of the final U.S. hostage remains, underscoring the continuing humanitarian and diplomatic dimensions of the crisis.