Moshe Ya’alon Tells Family: Oron Shaul’s Body is in Hamas’ Hands

The body of Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul, who was declared a fallen IDF soldier whose place of burial is known, has been taken by Hamas, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon told Shaul’s parents on Sunday.

“It’s obvious to us that Oron’s body is in the hands of Hamas, and we’re making every effort to retrieve it,” Ya’alon said, noting the efforts were on the diplomatic level – meaning in ceasefire talks with Hamas.

“Unfortunately we have a lot of experience with cases like this, and unfortunately I’ve encountered it during my military service,” the former IDF chief of staff said.

Shaul was killed with six of his comrades when a Golani APC was hit with an anti-tank missile on the second day of the ground offensive. The bodies of the other six were identified but Shaul was missing in action.

The next day, Hamas announced it had kidnapped an Israeli soldier, naming Shaul in its statement. The news was welcomed on the Palestinian street with dancing and sweets.

Read more: http://www.mywesternwall.net/2014/08/11/moshe-yaalon-tells-family-oron-shauls-body-is-in-hamas-hands.html