Israel Buries Slain Hostages Idan Shtivi, Ilan Weiss After Gaza Return

The bodies of slain hostages Idan Shtivi and Ilan Weiss were recovered from Gaza and laid to rest in Israel after nearly two years. Idan Shtivi, murdered at the Nova music festival during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, was buried in Kfar Ma’as following a funeral procession through central Israel; his mother and community mourned his loss and remembered his generosity and sensitivity. Shtivi's final moments involved helping others escape before being captured, and his family endured a long period of uncertainty before receiving closure. Ilan Weiss, a member of Kibbutz Be’eri’s local security team who was killed defending his community the same day, was buried in Kibbutz Be’eri; his wife and daughter were taken hostage but later freed. The funerals were marked by public mourning and tributes from local officials who expressed solidarity with the families and called on residents to pay their respects. Both funerals symbolize the ongoing impact of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks and the deep wounds left in Israeli society.