IDF Recovers Bodies of US-Israeli Couple Killed in Gaza

Israeli forces, including the IDF and Shin Bet, successfully recovered the bodies of Gadi Haggai and Judy Weinstein Haggai, a married couple and dual U.S.-Israeli citizens, who were abducted and murdered by Hamas terrorists during the October 7, 2023 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz. The couple was taken by the Mujahideen Brigades, a small terror group responsible for other abductions and killings, and their remains were brought back in a precise military operation based on intelligence gathered through interrogations. Gadi, a former IDF elite unit member and musician, and Judy, a poet and English teacher originally from Canada, were remembered for their contributions to their community and their family. Their bodies’ return brings some closure to their family and community, though 56 hostages remain in Gaza, including 12 from Nir Oz, with about 20 believed alive. Israeli officials and President Isaac Herzog expressed sorrow and resolve to continue efforts to retrieve all hostages. The families and community praised the military and security forces for their dedication over the past year and a half.