The body of Israeli hostage Ronen Engel was one of those handed over last night by Hamas, according to an announcement from both Kibbutz Nir Oz and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

In a statement, the Families Forum said it "embraces the Engel family," describing the recovery of his remains as "a form of relief for a family living in agonizing uncertainty and doubt for over two years."

Engel, 54, was abducted along with his wife, Karina, and their daughters, Mika and Yuval, during the Hamas invasion of Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023.

A month later, his wife and two daughters were released from Gaza captivity. In December of that same year, the IDF publicly confirmed that Ronen had been killed while being held hostage.

He leaves behind his wife, Karina, daughters Mika and Yuval, and his son Tom, who was not at home at the time of the attack, as well as siblings and extended family members.

Originally from Tel Aviv, Engel and his family relocated to Nir Oz in 2010, the Families Forum noted in its statement earlier today.

A man of many talents, Engel was a professional photographer, a devoted Magen David Adom volunteer medic, an avid motorcyclist who loved exploring Israel's landscapes, and a creative artist known for transforming scrap iron into striking works of art.