Israel announced on Thursday that it has recovered the bodies of two Israeli-American hostages from Gaza. The couple, Judith Weinstein and Gad Haggai, were abducted during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.
According to the Israeli military, the operation was carried out overnight in Khan Younis with the help of the Shin Bet security agency. The couple was reportedly killed during the initial attack and later taken into Gaza by militants.
Weinstein, a teacher for children with special needs, and Haggai, a retired chef and jazz musician, were residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz. Their daughter thanked Israeli and U.S. officials and called for the release of all remaining hostages.
At the same time, Israeli strikes overnight killed at least 13 people, including three journalists, according to Gaza health officials. The military claimed it targeted a militant operating in a hospital courtyard during one of the strikes.
The war has taken a heavy toll, with over 54,000 Palestinians killed and nearly 90% of Gaza’s population displaced. Meanwhile, around 56 hostages are still being held by Hamas, with only a third believed to be alive.
Ceasefire talks remain stalled, as Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal and a lasting truce. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu insists on continuing the offensive until all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled.