IDF declares Goldin dead

The IDF has declared missing soldier Hadar Goldin dead.

The IDF spokesman announced early on Sunday morning that at 11:25 p.m.on Saturday, the Chief Rabbi of the IDF, Brigadier Gen. Rafi Peretz, declared the death of IDF officer, Lt. Hadar Goldin of the Givati Brigade commando unit, who fell in the Gaza Strip on Friday.

The decision was made according to the findings of a special board, headed by the chief rabbi, which examined the details of the incident and related to medical, halakhic and other relevant considerations. 

The message was delivered to the family by the Head of Personnel, Major General Orna Barbibay and Chief Military Rabbi, Brigadier Gen. Rafi Peretz. 

To the large crowds standing silently outside their home, the family announced that they had accepted the decision of the board, thanked everyone for their caring and asked the public to attend the funeral of their son, the time of which had not yet been decided.

Earlier, following the conclusion of Shabbat, Goldin's parents had expressed shock at rumors, later shown to be unfounded, that the IDF was beginning to withdraw from Gaza, and urged the government not to abandon their son.

I'm not sure what the basis for this was, but the fact that Hamas hasn't made any ransom demands would certainly argue for him being dead.