The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Friday that it had recovered the bodies of two Israeli hostages from Gaza during a complex operation against Hamas.
One of the victims was identified as Ilan Weiss, 55, of Kibbutz Be’eri, who was murdered and abducted from his home during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 terrorist massacre. His wife, Shiri, and daughter, Noga, were also kidnapped that day but were released in November 2023 as part of a hostage deal. The second body has not yet been formally identified.
The IDF said the recovery was the result of “precise intelligence” and was carried out with the cooperation of the Southern Command, the Intelligence Directorate, the Shin Bet, and special forces units. Following the operation, the remains were transferred to the National Center for Forensic Medicine for identification. Families of both victims have been notified.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered condolences to the Weiss family and others affected. “Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I convey our heartfelt condolences to the dear families and share in their deep sorrow,” he said. Netanyahu praised IDF forces for their “determination and bravery.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also urged global action, declaring: “The world must show moral clarity, apply pressure, and act for the immediate release of all the hostages. We will not rest until every one of them is brought home, the living to the loving embrace of their families, and the fallen to be laid to rest in dignity.”
According to Israeli officials, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with roughly 20 believed to still be alive. The IDF has vowed to continue operations to bring every captive home.
