October 7 · Personal story
Mohammad Al-Atrash
Abducted
October 7, 2023
Abduction location
Military position near Nahal Oz
Current outcome
Returned for burial · October 15, 2025
Remains returned 15 October 2025; identified the following morning and buried in Sa’wa on 16 October.
01
Before October 7
Mohammad grew up in Sa’wa as the eldest in a large family and raised 13 children. He enlisted in November 2003 and served as a tracker in the Northern Brigade of the Gaza Division. His brother Salem said relatives turned to him for advice and that he took care of everyone. Salem and Yusef remembered Mohammad’s horses: he raised them, competed locally and hoped to open a horse farm.
02
Battle near Nahal Oz
On October 7, Mohammad served as a tracker at a military position near Nahal Oz. In an account published by Davar, fellow tracker Ibrahim recalled exchanging shifts with Mohammad; the attack began during the shift Mohammad covered. Mohammad was killed in the battle and his body was taken to Gaza that day.
03
Family learned the truth
For months, Mohammad’s family did not know that the battle had ended in death. In June 2024, the IDF said findings and intelligence established that Mohammad had been killed near Nahal Oz on 7 October and his body taken to Gaza. His brother Salem said the family believed Mohammad was alive until officials showed them footage. The family then waited for a return for burial.
04
Return for burial
Mohammad’s remains returned to Israel during the October 2025 ceasefire. The transfer took place on 15 October. Forensic officials identified the remains the next morning, and relatives held the funeral on 16 October in Sa’wa. His death date remained 7 October 2023; later dates mark recovery, identification, and burial.
05
Remembered in Sa’wa
The funeral brought soldiers and civilians, Bedouin and Jewish residents, to the village cemetery. Former hostage Farhan al-Qadi came to offer condolences and said he felt like a father to Mohammad. Fellow trackers and relatives remembered a person who made room for family, horses, and children. Mohammad was buried in Sa’wa, among the community where his family had waited for his return.