Bodies of two Israeli-American hostages recovered from Gaza in Israeli military operation
Israel has recovered the bodies of two Israeli-American hostages, Judih Weinstein and Gad Haggai, killed during Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack that sparked the ongoing war in Gaza. The Israeli military, in coordination with the Shin Bet security agency, retrieved the remains from Khan Younis during a special overnight operation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered condolences, calling it "a most terrible loss."advertisementThe couple, residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz near the Gaza border, were ambushed while on a morning walk. Weinstein, 70, a teacher born in New York, and Haggai, 72, a retired chef and jazz musician, were both dual Israeli-American citizens. Weinstein also held Canadian citizenship. The kibbutz confirmed their deaths in December 2023.Their daughter, Iris Haggai Liniado, confirmed the recovery on social media, expressing gratitude to the Israeli and U.S. authorities and calling for the release of the remaining hostages. The couple is survived by four children and seven grandchildren.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes across Gaza killed at least 22 people, including 10 in Khan Younis and nine in Gaza City. Three local journalists were also killed in a strike on al-Ahli Hospital's courtyard, where Israel said it targeted an Islamic Jihad militant. The incident raised further concerns, as over 180 journalists have reportedly died in the conflict.advertisementEfforts to deliver humanitarian aid suffered another setback when a driver was killed and three wounded in an attack on a 60-truck convoy headed to Deir al-Balah. The Palestinian transport organization has suspended operations, citing repeated attacks. The U.N. continues to face major challenges distributing aid due to military restrictions, unsafe roads, and lawlessness.Since October 7, more than 54,000 Palestinians—many of them women and children—have been killed in Israel's offensive, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Israel maintains its targets are militants embedded in civilian areas. Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people and abducted 251 hostages in the initial attack. As of now, 56 hostages remain in captivity, with about a third believed to be alive.Must Watch
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Hindustan Times
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