Bodies of Israeli-American Hostages Recovered Following October Attack
Identification of remains of two hostages marks a significant moment as humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to worsen.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the recovery of the bodies of two Israeli-American hostages, Judih Weinstein, 70, and Gad Haggai, 72, who were abducted during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that their remains were returned to Israel as a result of an overnight operation conducted in southern Gaza by the IDF and the Shin Bet internal security agency.
The deaths of Weinstein and Haggai were previously confirmed in December 2023.
In a personal statement shared on social media, their daughter, Iris Haggai Liniado, expressed relief at the return of her parents and thanked the Israeli military, the FBI, and both Israeli and US governments, while also urging for the release of all remaining hostages.
On the ground in Gaza, food distribution points operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is backed by the US and Israel, were temporarily closed following deadly incidents involving Israeli troops.
These closures came after reports surfaced of Israeli gunfire that resulted in civilian casualties, including the deaths of dozens of people who were waiting for food assistance.
The GHF initially suspended its operations to enhance safety measures but later resumed food distribution, reporting the delivery of a total of 1.4 million meals.
Thursday's bombardments in Gaza reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least ten individuals, according to the local civil defense agency.
The Israeli military stated that Weinstein and Haggai were killed by members of the Mujahideen Brigades, a lesser-known Palestinian group, during the incursion at Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7.
The forum representing Israeli hostage families released a statement acknowledging the emotional complexity of the return of Weinstein and Haggai.
They emphasized the need for the Israeli government to exert all efforts to secure the release of the remaining 56 hostages.
Among these, at least 20 hostages are believed to be alive, with the majority having been released during negotiations facilitated by temporary ceasefires that occurred in late 2023 and early 2025.
Since the initial attack, Israeli military operations in Gaza have reportedly claimed the lives of over 54,000 Palestinians, as noted by health authorities affiliated with Hamas.
Significant destruction has occurred across the territory, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation, further complicated by food supply restrictions.
In March, Israel implemented a blockade of all supplies to Gaza, citing concerns that Hamas was diverting aid resources for military purposes, an assertion that Hamas rejects.
Humanitarian observers have reported alarming forecasts, indicating that half a million individuals in Gaza may soon face starvation due to the ongoing conflict and supply disruptions.
The deaths of Weinstein and Haggai were previously confirmed in December 2023.
In a personal statement shared on social media, their daughter, Iris Haggai Liniado, expressed relief at the return of her parents and thanked the Israeli military, the FBI, and both Israeli and US governments, while also urging for the release of all remaining hostages.
On the ground in Gaza, food distribution points operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is backed by the US and Israel, were temporarily closed following deadly incidents involving Israeli troops.
These closures came after reports surfaced of Israeli gunfire that resulted in civilian casualties, including the deaths of dozens of people who were waiting for food assistance.
The GHF initially suspended its operations to enhance safety measures but later resumed food distribution, reporting the delivery of a total of 1.4 million meals.
Thursday's bombardments in Gaza reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least ten individuals, according to the local civil defense agency.
The Israeli military stated that Weinstein and Haggai were killed by members of the Mujahideen Brigades, a lesser-known Palestinian group, during the incursion at Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7.
The forum representing Israeli hostage families released a statement acknowledging the emotional complexity of the return of Weinstein and Haggai.
They emphasized the need for the Israeli government to exert all efforts to secure the release of the remaining 56 hostages.
Among these, at least 20 hostages are believed to be alive, with the majority having been released during negotiations facilitated by temporary ceasefires that occurred in late 2023 and early 2025.
Since the initial attack, Israeli military operations in Gaza have reportedly claimed the lives of over 54,000 Palestinians, as noted by health authorities affiliated with Hamas.
Significant destruction has occurred across the territory, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation, further complicated by food supply restrictions.
In March, Israel implemented a blockade of all supplies to Gaza, citing concerns that Hamas was diverting aid resources for military purposes, an assertion that Hamas rejects.
Humanitarian observers have reported alarming forecasts, indicating that half a million individuals in Gaza may soon face starvation due to the ongoing conflict and supply disruptions.