IDF Recovers Bodies of Two Israeli-American Hostages From Gaza

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have successfully recovered the bodies of Judith Weinstein-Haggai and Gad Haggai, an Israeli-American couple killed during Hamas's October 7, 2023, attacks near their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. The couple was abducted and taken into Gaza by Hamas militants, and their bodies were retrieved in a special military operation involving the Shin Bet security agency. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences to the family and reaffirmed Israel's commitment to recovering all remaining hostages, both living and deceased. The family described the return of the bodies as painful yet providing closure, emphasizing the state's duty to bring all hostages home to enable healing and recovery. The couple, aged 70 and 72, left behind four children and seven grandchildren, and were remembered fondly by their community for their contributions and character. This recovery comes amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties and hostilities since the October 2023 Hamas attack.