Foreign Policy

Israel Confirms Hamas Returned Body of Kidnapped Israeli Dror Or Amid Fragile Ceasefire

By National Security Desk | November 26, 2025

Israel officially confirms the return of hostage Dror Or’s body by Hamas after over two years in captivity—a somber reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorist groups exploiting ceasefires while American interests demand vigilance.

Jerusalem witnessed a grim confirmation this week that underscores the ongoing peril faced by Israel—and, by extension, American allies—in the Middle East. The Office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement affirming that the body delivered by Hamas as part of the fragile ceasefire agreement is indeed that of Dror Or, an Israeli civilian kidnapped and subsequently murdered during Hamas’ brutal attacks on October 7, 2023.

Why does this matter so deeply for America? Dror Or’s tragic death, along with his wife Yonat’s, reflects not only a direct attack on Israel’s sovereignty but also highlights how hostage-taking is wielded as a strategic tool by terrorist organizations to undermine national security and peace efforts. For two years, Hamas held Or’s body captive while continuing to sow instability in Gaza—instability that reverberates far beyond the region.

What Are We Sacrificing in These Negotiations?

The returned remains represent only one part of a tenuous exchange. While Israel has repatriated all but two bodies held in Gaza, Palestinian authorities have likewise received hundreds of Palestinian bodies from Israel—many reported to bear signs of torture or decomposition so severe families cannot even identify their loved ones.

The larger question remains: How long will Washington and international mediators tolerate these cycles of violence disguised as ceasefires? Meanwhile, American taxpayers fund diplomatic efforts and humanitarian aid, yet face continued threats emanating from unchecked terrorist factions like Hamas who exploit pauses rather than seek genuine peace.

As negotiations linger with uncertainty about when indirect talks between Israel and Hamas will resume—and whether a transition government excluding terrorists can emerge—the clock ticks against national sovereignty and security. This delicate dance plays into globalist ambitions that often prioritize temporary stability over lasting freedom for nations who dare defend themselves.

The America First Imperative

This episode underscores why firm America First policies matter: backing sovereign allies who stand against terrorism fortifies our own defenses. The Biden administration must learn from successes under President Trump’s tenure—boldly supporting strong deterrence measures instead of fragile diplomacy that emboldens malign actors.

For families across the United States concerned about national security and the global spread of terrorism, stories like Dror Or’s are not distant headlines—they are warnings. How many more must suffer before Washington takes decisive action to back steadfast allies like Israel with uncompromised resolve?

The path forward calls for vigilance—not complacency—in confronting terror under any guise.