CNN
–
According to a statement from the Israeli military and Singh Bet security agencies, the bodies of two Israeli hostages who were accused of to Hamas on October 7 were recovered from South Gaza during the military operation.
Judy Weinstein Haggai, 70, and Gaddy Haggai, 72, were killed near Kibutz Nir Oz’s house in 2023 during an attack on Hamas in southern Israel.
“Along with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I will be deeply saddened to my dear family,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.
The Prime Minister thanked the soldiers and commanders involved in the surgery and vowed to return all hostages held in Gaza.
“We will not rest and we will not be silent until both the living and the fallen are brought home,” he said.
A spokesman for Kibbutz Nir Oz said the bodies of the two hostages will be returned to Israel overnight and lie down to rest.
The couple had four children and seven grandchildren.
In a statement, Kibbutz remembers Gadi as “a man with a sharp mind, a talented wind instrument player since the age of three, a deep connection to the land, a chef and advocate for healthy vegan nutrition and sports.”
A statement from the family provided by a spokesman for Nir Oz expressed gratitude for the return of his missing loved one.
“We are grateful for the return of our loved ones for the burial that was closed and they went for a walk that black Saturday morning and were not back. In this emotional moment, we would like to thank the IDF (Israel Defence Force) and security forces who have carried out this complicated rescue operation and have fought for us for more than a year. I said.
The family also thanked the US administration, the Israeli government, and the FBI for their “uncontinuous work and ongoing support.”
“Even so, our minds won’t be a whole until all 12 Nir Oz hostages, and all 56 hostages, are brought home,” the statement added.
Heartbreak and healing
A total of 56 hostages remain in Gaza, including ones taken in 2014. Twenty are thought to be still alive.
Throughout the 20-month war on the territory, hostage rescue and body recovery only happened a few times. In late March, Israeli forces recovered “discoveries” related to Manny Goddard after being killed by members of Islamic jihad on October 7th.
In January, Israeli forces recovered the body of soldier Oron Scholl, who was killed in a battle at the enclave in July 2014. The bodies of another soldier killed during the same conflict remain in Gaza.
The Israeli Hostages and Missing Family Forum welcomes the latest news and calls it both heartbreaking and healing.
“Their return reminds us that it is the state’s duty to bring everyone home, so that we can begin the healing and recovery process with all of Israel,” the forum’s statement said.
“Decision makers must do everything they need to reach an agreement that will return all 56 remaining hostages. They are deceased for the lives of rehabilitation and for the burial of the deceased,” he added.
Recovering all the hostages still in Gaza is one of Israel’s main war goals, along with the destruction of Hamas. The release of hostages was a key point in mediation negotiations aimed at a ceasefire between Israel and extremist groups.
This is a developing story and will be updated.