The Israeli military has announced the recovery of the body of Yousef Zyadna, a 53-year-old Bedouin Arab hostage who was taken captive by Hamas in Gaza. His body was found in an underground tunnel in the southern Rafah area on Tuesday, alongside concerning evidence regarding the fate of his son, Hamza, who is still missing.
According to reports, Yousef was abducted on October 7, 2023, during an attack that saw hundreds of Hamas gunmen cross the Israel-Gaza perimeter, leading to numerous casualties and hostages. His son Hamza, aged 22, was also taken during this attack. Two of his other children, Aisha and Bilal, were released during a ceasefire agreement in November 2023.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed profound sadness at the news, extending condolences to the Zyadna family during this tragic time. This announcement coincided with statements from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who indicated that US, Qatari, and Egyptian negotiators were nearing a new ceasefire agreement and potential hostages’ release between Israel and Hamas.
As military operations continue, at least 14 Palestinians were reported killed in Israeli air strikes across Gaza, as stated by medical sources.
Yousef Zyadna resided in a Bedouin village in Israel’s southern Negev desert. On the day of his abduction, he had taken his children to a dairy farm for a picnic. The ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties, with reports indicating that more than 45,930 people have been killed in Gaza since the outbreak of hostilities.
Currently, 95 hostages are still believed to be held in Gaza, with 34 presumed dead. The Israeli military confirmed that Yousef was “killed in captivity,” and investigations are ongoing regarding the circumstances of his death and the condition of his son Hamza.
Defense Minister Israel Katz mentioned both Yousef and Hamza’s bodies had been located, while Netanyahu reaffirmed efforts to secure the return of all hostages, living and deceased.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed disappointment that potential negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release are “far too late for Yousef,” emphasizing the urgent need for action in the face of ongoing threats to the remaining hostages.
This past Sunday, Yousef Zyadna’s name was included in a list of 34 hostages that Hamas indicated they were willing to release. The Israeli government, however, denied the legitimacy of this list and stated that there was no confirmation regarding the status of those listed.
As discussions continue in Doha, both sides have accused each other of hindering negotiations with extreme demands, complicating prospects for a ceasefire and resolution. Hamas has called for a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal from Gaza while Israel insists that military actions must continue until hostilities cease and hostages are safely returned.
