LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE
Death of UK-Linked Hostage Oded Lifshitz Confirmed
Family receives confirmation of the death of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli hostage taken in the October 7 Hamas attack.
21 February 2025 · 06:06 UTC
This event is part of an ongoing prisoner exchange associated with a ceasefire agreement currently in effect.
Mr. Lifshitz was among four bodies returned to Israel on Thursday.
His family, including his daughter Dr. Sharone Lifschitz, who resides in the UK, had not received any updates regarding his status since the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, during which he was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
In response, UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer expressed his deep sadness regarding Mr. Lifshitz's death, offering condolences to his family.
Starmer highlighted the strength shown by Dr. Lifschitz during a previous meeting at Downing Street.
He described the news of her father’s death as a tragedy and emphasized the need for the release of all remaining hostages while calling for the ceasefire to be respected.
He reaffirmed the UK government's commitment to collaborating with international partners to seek an end to the ongoing turmoil and to establish a lasting peace in the Middle East.
Following the confirmation of his death, Mr. Lifshitz’s family released a statement through the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters, expressing profound sorrow over the loss.
They noted that 503 days of uncertainty had come to a close, and they mourned the loss of a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
They expressed hope for the eventual healing of their family, contingent on the return of all remaining hostages.
Oded Lifshitz was a retired journalist and is survived by his wife, Yocheved, who was also taken hostage during the same incident but was released two weeks later.
His daughter, Dr. Lifschitz, who resides in Walthamstow, east London, was represented by her lawyer Adam Wagner, who described the day as one of immense sadness, highlighting the loss experienced by families who have been affected by the ongoing conflict.
Reports indicate that three other bodies returned alongside Mr. Lifshitz belong to Shiri Bibas and her two children, Kfir and Ariel.
Their deaths have also prompted a wave of grief among colleagues and community members.
Stella Creasy, the Member of Parliament for Walthamstow, expressed her heartbreak at the news, reflecting on Mr. Lifshitz’s dedication to promoting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Eli Sharabi, another individual linked to British hostages, was released earlier this month under different circumstances; however, his family noted his frail condition upon his return.
The ongoing situation surrounding hostage exchanges and the humanitarian implications of the conflict continue to evoke deep concern on multiple fronts as communities seek resolution.