Human remains were found Wednesday in the Dor Tzair neighborhood of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, nearly three years after the October 7 massacre. The remains were transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine for identification.

Hebrew media reported that the remains were found by relatives of Capt. Nirel Zini, a Givati officer and Kfar Aza resident who was murdered by Hamas terrorists during the attack. His family has continued searching the area around his home since the massacre, after part of his body was never recovered.

His father, Amir Zini, told Kan: “Nirel’s brother found remains near the house. We very much hope these are Nirel’s remains.” Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the remains, and forensic officials are expected to determine whether they are connected to Zini or to another victim.

Zini was murdered on October 7 alongside his girlfriend, Niv Raviv, as Hamas Nukhba terrorists overran Kfar Aza, killing and abducting residents, looting homes and setting houses on fire. The continued family search has reflected the unresolved pain left by the massacre, as some relatives still seek answers nearly three years later.

Kfar Aza was among the hardest-hit communities on October 7. Sixty-four civilians and soldiers were killed in the kibbutz, and 19 people were abducted to Gaza. Fighting continued in the area for days as terrorists remained inside the community and in surrounding fields.