The Israeli military announced on Tuesday that it has successfully recovered the bodies of six hostages from Gaza. These individuals had been taken into Gaza during the Hamas-led terror attacks on October 7.
The recovery took place during an overnight operation in Khan Younis, a city located in southern Gaza.
The Israeli military has identified the six hostages whose bodies were recovered as Yagev Buchshtab, Alexander Dancyg, Avraham Munder, Yoram Metzger, Nadav Popplewell, and Haim Perry, though they did not disclose when or how they died. Five of these individuals were over 50 years old when they were captured, and three had relatives who were released during a week-long ceasefire in November.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the recovery operation and expressed deep sorrow for the loss, stating, “Our hearts ache for the terrible loss.” He also reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to recovering all hostages, both alive and deceased.
Hamas is still believed to be holding around 110 hostages from the October 7 attack, with Israeli authorities estimating that about a third of them may have already died.
This operation occurred amid the ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to broker a cease-fire. The proposed cease-fire aims to end Israel’s prolonged military campaign in Gaza and secure the release of remaining hostages.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed cautious optimism after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting that Netanyahu had agreed to a bridging proposal for the cease-fire.
Blinken emphasized that the next step is for Hamas to agree to the terms. He arrived in Cairo early Tuesday to continue discussions.
Hamas, however, has accused the United States of siding with Israeli demands and attempting to impose them on the group.
Mediators are working to finalize a three-phase plan in which Hamas would release all hostages in exchange for the release of more Palestinian prisoners, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a lasting truce
