Cnn
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The bodies of two Israeli-American hostages removed by Hamas on October 7 were recovered in southern Gaza during a military operation, according to a press release from the Israeli army and the Shin Bet Security Agency.
Judy Weinstein-Haggai, 70, and Gadi Haggai, 72, were killed near their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the attack on Hamas against South Israel in 2023.
“With all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I expose our deepest condolences to dear families,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.
The Prime Minister thanked the soldiers and commanders involved in the operation and promised to return all the remaining hostages held in Gaza.
“We will not rest and we will not be silent as long as all our hostages – the living and the dead – will not be brought home,” he said.
A spokesperson for Kibbutz Nir Oz said the bodies of the two hostages had been returned to Israel overnight and rest.
The couple had four children and seven grandchildren.
In a statement, the Kibbutz remembered Gadi like “a lively man, a gifted wind instruments since the age of three, deeply linked to the earth, a chief and defender of healthy plants and sport” and Judy as “poet, entrepreneur, creative spirit and devoted defender of peace and coexistence”.
A declaration by the family, provided by the spokesperson for Nir Oz, expressed his gratitude for the return of their missing relatives.
“We are grateful for the closure that has been granted to us and for the return of our loved ones for burial – they went out for a black walk on Saturday morning and never returned. Israel, ”he said.
The family also thanked the American administration, the Israeli government and the FBI for their “tireless work and their continuous support”.
“However, our hearts will not be whole before the 12 hostages of Nir Oz – and the 56 hostages – are brought back to the house,” added the press release.
Sorrow and healing
A total of 56 hostages remain in Gaza, one of which was taken in 2014. Twenty would still be alive.
Throughout 20 months of war on the territory, the rescue of hostages and the recovery of bodies have not occurred a few times. At the end of March, Israeli forces recovered “results” linked to Manny Goddard, whose body was taken to Gaza after being killed by members of Islamic jihad on October 7, according to the IDF and the Bet Shin.
In January, Israeli forces recovered the body of soldier Oron Shaul, who was killed during a battle in the enclave in July 2014. The remains of another soldier killed during the same conflict remain in Gaza.
The Smarting and Families who have disappeared from Israel welcomed the latest news, calling it both heartbreaking and healing.
“Their return reminds us of all that it is the duty of the state to bring everyone back to the house, so that we, families, as well as all the inhabitants of Israel, can start the healing and recovery process,” said a press release from the forum.
“The decision-makers must do everything necessary to achieve an agreement that will refer the remaining 56 hostages-the living for rehabilitation and the deceased for burial,” he added.
Bringing all the hostages back to Gaza is among the main objectives of the War of Israel, as well as the destruction of Hamas. The release of the hostages was a key point in the mediated negotiations intended for a cease-fire between Israel and the militant group.
This is a story in development and will be updated.