Israel Recovers Hostage Body Ilan Weiss Amid Gaza City Assault

Israel has recovered the body of Israeli hostage Ilan Weiss from the Gaza Strip, confirming he was murdered by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attacks, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Alongside Weiss's body, Israel also retrieved the remains of a second individual whose identity has not yet been disclosed. Weiss's wife and daughter were abducted to Gaza but released in an earlier hostage deal. Netanyahu expressed condolences to the families and praised the Israeli commanders and fighters for the successful operation, emphasizing the ongoing campaign to return all kidnapped individuals, both living and dead. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has begun the initial stages of an offensive on Gaza City, operating with significant force and ending local humanitarian pauses in that area due to its designation as a dangerous combat zone. Despite international criticism over the humanitarian crisis, Netanyahu reaffirmed that the war will continue until Hamas is disarmed, with ceasefire talks having broken down.