The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the recovery of six hostages’ bodies from the Gaza Strip. This operation took place in the Khan Younis area on Monday.
The deceased include Yagev Buchshtab, Alexander Dancyg, Avraham Munder, Yoram Metzger, Haim Perry, and British-Israeli Nadav Popplewell. While five of these deaths had already been reported, Munder was previously believed to be alive.
The IDF, in collaboration with the security agency Shin Bet, conducted the recovery efforts.
The six individuals were kidnapped during Hamas’s attacks on southern Israel on October 7, prior to being taken into Gaza, according to the Hostage Families Forum. The group stated that the return of these bodies has provided their families with “necessary closure” and emphasized that the remaining 109 hostages can only be returned through a negotiated agreement.
The families urged the Israeli government to “do everything in its power to finalize the deal currently on the table.” Negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release are ongoing, with significant diplomatic efforts underway.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been actively involved in discussions in the Middle East, recently confirming that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed a US “bridging proposal” for a potential deal following their meeting in Tel Aviv.
Responding to the recovery, Israeli President Isaac Herzog extended condolences and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to secure the return of remaining hostages.
Hamas previously reported that Mr. Popplewell succumbed to injuries from an Israeli airstrike months ago.
Meanwhile, the IDF has expanded operations in Khan Younis and surrounding areas, with reports of casualties resulting from recent airstrikes. Local health officials have confirmed five deaths from an Israeli strike on an internet distribution facility in western Khan Younis, and additional casualties have been reported in Abasan, located east of the city.
This military campaign follows an unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in around 1,200 fatalities and the kidnapping of 251 individuals. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, over 40,173 people have died in the region since the onset of the conflict.
