Israel recovers bodies of two hostages from Gaza; Netanyahu calls it a ‘terrible loss'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday confirmed the recovery of the bodies of two hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack. The victims, Judih Weinstein and Gad Haggai, were found in a joint operation by the Israeli military and the Shin Bet internal security agency in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
'Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. Our hearts ache for the most terrible loss. May their memory be blessed,' Netanyahu said in an official statement.
Weinstein and Haggai, both in their early 70s, were residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz and had been declared dead in December 2023. They were out for a morning walk near their home when Hamas militants launched a deadly cross-border assault that killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the recovery operation took place in the Khan Younis area. The IDF said the bodies were located and returned in coordination with intelligence provided by Shin Bet. No further details about the operation were disclosed.
Following the recovery, Israeli authorities estimate that 56 hostages remain in Gaza, with fewer than half believed to be alive.
The October 7 attack by Hamas marked the beginning of Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Since then, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting, according to local health authorities.
Weinstein had managed to call emergency services the morning of the attack, reporting that both she and her husband had been shot. She also sent a final message to her family. The couple is survived by four children and seven grandchildren, according to a statement from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
(With inputs from AP, Reuters)
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