Israel recovers bodies of couple killed in October 7 attack from Gaza, says Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that the bodies of two Israeli-Americans killed in Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack had been recovered from Gaza and returned to Israel.

“In a special operation by the [security agency] and the military in the Gaza Strip, the bodies of two of our hostages held by the murderous terrorist organisation Hamas were returned to Israel: Judy Weinstein Haggai and Gad Haggai from Kibbutz Nir Oz, may their memory be blessed,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

“Judy and Gad were murdered on October 7 and abducted to the Gaza Strip.”

The Israeli army and Shin Bet security agency said in a joint statement that the bodies of two Israeli-Americans were recovered overnight from the Khan Yunis area in southern Gaza.

The operation was carried out with the help of special forces and intelligence teams, the statement added.

The elderly couple, Gad Haggai (72) and Judy Weinstein Haggai (70), lived in Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel. A spokesperson for the kibbutz said their bodies were returned home after “more than 600 days of pain and waiting.”

Gad was known for his love of music and cooking, while Judy was a former English teacher. They had four children and seven grandchildren.

“We welcome their return for a proper burial in Israel,” the family said, thanking the military and all those who supported them.

October 7 attack and Israeli campaign

Israel recently intensified its military operations in Gaza, aiming to defeat Hamas after its October 2023 attack that killed 1,218 people in Israel, mostly civilians.

According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, at least 4,335 people have died since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, bringing the total death toll to over 54,600, mostly civilians.

Out of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas during the October attack, 55 are still held—32 of them believed to be dead.