Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday that forces operating in Gaza, together with the Shin Bet security agency, had retrieved the body of an Israeli citizen and partial remains of another hostage.
According to Netanyahu, one of those identified was Ilan Weiss, who was killed on October 7, 2023, while attempting to defend Kibbutz Be’eri from Hamas gunmen. The remains of the second Israeli were been sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for confirmation.
Weiss’ wife Shiri and daughter Noga were among those kidnapped in the October 2023 attack but were later freed in November the same year. He also leaves behind two other daughters, reports UNB/AP.
The Israeli Hostages and Missing Families Forum responded to the news by reiterating that bringing home every captive remains the “highest national priority,” urging Israeli leaders to continue negotiations “and stay at the table until every last hostage comes home.”
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Weiss’ body and the remains of the other hostage had been returned to Israel. Out of the 251 people taken hostage during the October 7 attacks nearly 22 months ago, Israeli authorities believe about 50 are still in Gaza, with roughly 20 thought to be alive.
Meanwhile, Israel has declared Gaza City a dangerous combat zone, saying it has entered the “initial stages” of a planned military offensive, drawing international condemnation. The announcement follows earlier plans to broaden the offensive in the city, where hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians remain, enduring famine.
Health officials in Gaza reported Friday that five people had died from malnutrition and hunger within a single day, bringing the total number of such deaths to 322, including 121 children. Since a famine was formally declared on August 22, at least 44 deaths have been recorded, six of them children.
The ministry further stated that 63,025 Palestinians have been killed and 159,490 injured since October 2023. In the past 24 hours alone, 59 people were reported killed in Israeli strikes and 244 wounded, and at least 23 were killed while trying to collect humanitarian aid.
Since Israel resumed large-scale operations in March, 11,178 people have been killed and 47,449 wounded, while attempts to secure aid have cost 2,203 lives and injured 16,228.
The UN said on Thursday that approximately 23,000 residents evacuated Gaza City over the past week.
