US-Israeli citizen Omer Neutra killed in October, 7 attack

Tank platoon commander, Neutra was initially believed to be alive and held hostage in Gaza

The Israeli military confirmed on Monday that Omer Maxim Neutra, an American-Israeli citizen, was killed during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. Neutra, 21, was initially believed to be alive and held hostage in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed that Neutra had been serving as a tank platoon commander at the time of the assault. However, his body is still being held hostage in Gaza.

“Omer loved sports, playing soccer, basketball, and volleyball, and served as the captain of his school’s sports teams,” said the Hostages and Missing Families Forum in a statement. “Family and friends described him as a warm, optimistic, and caring individual who ‘lights up the room the moment he enters.’”

Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, paid tribute to Neutra, stating that he “fell in a heroic battle near Nir Oz on October 7.” Nir Oz, a small kibbutz near Gaza in southern Israel, was among the communities hardest hit by the terror attacks of October 7, with one in four residents either murdered or kidnapped.

Neutra was one of seven American citizens previously held in Gaza. Of those, four—including Neutra—have now been confirmed dead, while three others are believed to be alive.