The IDF clarified on Wednesday that there is no information in the IDF’s possession indicating that Hadar Goldin’s body is located in a tunnel where Hamas terrorists are present in the Rafah area.
"These are false claims that cause harm to the family," the IDF noted.
"The IDF urges the public to rely solely on announcements from official sources and to refrain from spreading unverified rumors, which harm the families of the hostages and the public. Efforts for the return of the deceased hostages are ongoing at all times," the military added.
The IDF clarification follows a report by Galei Tzahal earlier in the day, which cited Israeli officials who said that the body of the fallen IDF officer is being held in a tunnel in the Janina neighborhood of eastern Rafah, where 150 Hamas terrorists are currently entrenched.
According to the report, the officials explained that Israel is avoiding striking the tunnel from the air or the ground due to a fear that it would make the return of Goldin's body to Israel impossible.
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir delivered a firm message to the political echelon on the terrorists still in the Rafah area, saying: “No militant may be allowed to leave alive-unless the body of Hadar Goldin, of blessed memory, is returned.”
Zamir’s unusually explicit statement came amid reports that Israel was considering allowing terrorists to move into Hamas-controlled territory in exchange for their disarmament.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a decision not to permit the militants’ departure after heavy pressure from right-wing figures.
In recent days, Zamir reiterated his position to decision-makers, saying he will not allow militants from Rafah to be released unless the return of the body of Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, who fell in Operation Protective Edge in 2014 and whose body remains held by Hamas, is guaranteed.