Pic: Missing American-Israeli couple's bodies recovered from Hamas terrorists
Israel Defense Forces confirmed on Thursday that the bodies of an American-Israeli couple murdered by Hamas during the terrorist organization's attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, were recovered as part of a special military operation in Gaza.
In a Thursday post on X, formerly Twitter, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced, 'In a special operation by the Shin Bet and the IDF in the Gaza Strip, the bodies of two of our abductees who were being held by the murderous terrorist organization Hamas were returned to Israel: Judy Weinstein-Hagi and Gadi Hagi from Kibbutz Nir Oz, may their memory be blessed.'
The Israeli prime minister explained that the American-Israeli couple had been murdered by the Hamas terrorist organization in October of 2023 and that their bodies had been abducted by the terrorists and held hostage in the Gaza Strip prior to this week's special military operation.
'Judy and Gadi were murdered on October 7th and kidnapped to the Gaza Strip. Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. The heart grieves for the most terrible loss. May their memory be blessed,' Netanyahu added. 'I would like to thank and honor the fighters and commanders for their determined and successful execution. We will not rest or be silent until we bring all our captives home – the living and the dead alike.'
READ MORE: Video/Pic: Last living American hostage released by Hamas
According to Fox News, the two American-Israeli citizens were killed while walking on the morning of October 7, 2023, in the Hamas terrorist attack that led to the death of roughly 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 individuals.
Israel Defense Forces shared a picture of Judi and Gad Haggai on social media, noting that the two American-Israeli citizens were 'beloved parents, grandparents, and members of Kibbutz Nir Oz.'
'They were held hostage for 608 days by terrorists in Gaza. On October 7, 2023, while taking their daily morning walk around the kibbutz, they were murdered and abducted,' Israel Defense Forces stated. 'Judi, a devoted special education English teacher and caregiver, and Gad, a kibbutz cook, were known for their love for their community.'
In Thursday's posts, Israel Defense Forces pledged to continue operations until the remaining 56 Hamas hostages are returned.
Judi and Gad Haggai were beloved parents, grandparents, and members of Kibbutz Nir Oz. They were held hostage for 608 days by terrorists in Gaza.
On October 7, 2023, while taking their daily morning walk around the kibbutz, they were murdered and abducted.
Judi, a devoted… pic.twitter.com/Y0iot0Fbyp — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 5, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
22 minutes ago
- New York Times
Gaza Aid Group Says Hamas Attacked Its Palestinian Workers
An aid group in Gaza backed by Israel and the United States said that on Wednesday night a bus carrying some of its Palestinian workers was attacked by Hamas, leaving at least five people dead and others injured. At the time of the attack, the bus was carrying about two dozen of the group's workers and was en route to an aid distribution site in southern Gaza, according to a statement from the group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Some of the workers 'may have been taken hostage,' it said, adding that it was still gathering information. 'We condemn this heinous and deliberate attack in the strongest possible terms,' said the foundation, which is run by American contractors. 'These were aid workers. Humanitarians. Fathers, brothers, sons, and friends, who were risking their lives every day to help others.' The New York Times could not independently verify the attack. Hamas did not comment on the accusation that it had attacked workers from the group, and the Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The foundation said it held the militant group 'fully responsible' for the deaths of 'dedicated workers who have been distributing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.' The group called on the international community to condemn Hamas for the attack. 'Tonight, the world must see this for what it is: an attack on humanity,' it said. The aid organization has repeatedly criticized Hamas, saying that for days it had 'openly' threatened workers and civilians. On Saturday, the foundation said it was 'impossible to proceed' with aid distribution because Hamas had menaced its staff. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Trump Unironically Attends 'Les Misérables' As Protests Spread
As protests against his immigration policies balloon nationwide, President Donald Trump is seeing one of his favorite musicals on Wednesday night: 'Les Misérables,' the story of an anti-government uprising, abusive police and harsh imprisonment. Trump is going to opening night of the famous musical's one-month run at Washington, D.C.'s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, whose entire board of trustees he replaced in February and had them name him chairman. 'We've seen it many times,' Trump said upon arriving at the Kennedy Center with first lady Melania Trump. 'Love it. One of my favorites.' When a reporter asked him which side of the musical's conflict he most identified with, Trump laughed and refused to answer. 'That's tough. You better answer that one, honey,' he said, gesturing to the first lady. 'I don't know.' When another reporter asked how he felt about reports that some of the 'Les Misérables' cast would be boycotting the night of his performance, Trump said he 'couldn't care less.' 'All I do is run the country well,' he retorted. Trump received a mixture of cheers and boos when he took his seat at the theater. His attendance comes after he deployed National Guard troops to face largely peaceful protesters in Los Angeles and announced he was sending in Marines, despite pushback from local leadership. 'Les Misérables,' the musical based on the 1862 novel of the same name, tells the story of French peasant Jean Valjean after he emerges from a 19-year prison sentence for stealing a loaf of bread for his niece. Much of the musical centers around student demonstrations against the French monarchy. One of the musical's most recognizable songs ― 'Do You Hear The People Sing?' ― has a long history as an anthem at pro-democracy demonstrations. It's also an apparent favorite of Trump's, as he played the song right before walking onstage to announce his third presidential run in 2022. Several drag performers also attended the show Wednesday night to protest Trump, who announced in February there would be 'NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA' at the Kennedy Center going forward. They received applause as they walked in to the theater, social media videos show. Vagenesis, whose government name is Anderson Wells, was one of the planned attendees. 'Theater is supposed to be a place of community, a place of storytelling, a place of celebration, joy, catharsis and it should be open and available to all,' Vagenesis told NPR on Wednesday. Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence similarly caused a stir when he went to see 'Hamilton' shortly after winning the 2016 election. He was loudly booed when he arrived at the Manhattan theater. When Pence was trying to exit the theater after the final curtain call, actor Brandon Dixon, who was playing the part of Aaron Burr, asked him to stay and delivered a message to him. 'We, sir, we are the diverse America, who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights,' Dixon said. 'We truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us,' he continued. Pam Bondi Warns Of More Arrests In California Amid Protests Against Immigration Raids Karoline Leavitt Snaps At Reporter For 'Stupid Question' About Peaceful Protests There's Growing Anger Over Flags Flown At LA Protests. Here's What Everyone Is Getting Wrong.
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Family of former Fort Novosel namesake believes new order is a slap in the face: ‘I am just appalled'
Ft. Novosel, Ala. (WDHN) — President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that his administration would work to change the names of seven Army bases, including Fort Novosel, that previously bore the names of Confederate Army officers. K. Denise Rucker Krepp, a cousin of Confederate Colonel Edmund Rucker, for whom Fort Novosel was previously named, believes the order from President Trump to restore the names of army bases is a step backward, despite the base being named in honor of a different Rucker. 'Rucker is not that important. My family committed treason,' Krepp said. 'We should not be looking to the past. Why are you doing this, and as a Rucker, I am just appalled.' Trump says he will reverse Fort Novosel name change After almost two years, with the base renamed to Fort Novosel, President Trump called for all Army bases that had their names changed in 2023 under the previous administration to revert to their original names. 'We won a lot of battles out of those forts, it's no time to change,' President Donald Trump said. 'It was a gut punch, it hurts, and it was quite sad. My family committed treason, lost a war, and an American base in the United States should have never been named in honor of one of my family members,' Krepp said. The base was renamed in honor of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Novosel Sr., a local Army aviator who served in three wars and saved 29 soldiers during a medevac mission. It will now be in honor of a Missouri native, Captain Edward Rucker, a distinguished service cross recipient pilot for extraordinary heroism in World War 1. Fort Novosel to be reverted to Fort Rucker with new namesake. Who is it? 'It's being named for him because of his last name, not about what he did — Novosel was a hero, and that's who it should be named after,' Krepp said. 'Heartbreaking to see the disrespect to Vietnam veterans. Novosel was a Vietnam veteran, and when you take his name off it's disrespectful to his family and everybody who fought,' She added. Krepp encourages people to do research on Novosel, and she says, despite the name change, she will still refer to it as Fort Novosel. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
