Israel on Sunday said it has recovered the body of an Israeli soldier who was held in Gaza since 2014.

The soldier was identified as Oron Shaul.

The soldier's body was recovered during an operation conducted by the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) and ISA (Shin Bet) special forces in Gaza.

In an X post, IDF wrote: "In a covert, special operation conducted by IDF and ISA special forces in Gaza, the body of fallen IDF soldier SSGT Oron Shaul, was recovered."

"Oron fell in combat in Shejaiya on July 20, 2014, during Operation Protective Edge. His body was abducted by the Hamas terrorist organization," IDF said.

IDF said the efforts to return him, including the gathering of intelligence, continued for over a decade and during this war.

Shaul’s body was brought back to Israel and taken to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, where it was identified, reported The Times of Israel.

What is Operation Protective Edge?

The 2014 Gaza War, also known as Operation Protective Edge was launched  by Israel on 8 July 2014 in the Gaza Strip.

The Gaza ceasefire deal finally came into effect on Sunday after the Hamas group shared the names of the three hostages with Israeli officials.

Confirming the development, Israel's Prime Minister's Office posted on X: "Israel has received the list of the hostages who are due to be released today according to the framework. The security establishment is now checking the details."

"Pursuant to the framework for the release of the hostages, the ceasefire of the first stage in Gaza will take effect at 11:15," read another X post.

The ceasefire became effective after it was delayed for several hours.