In a significant development, Israeli forces have retrieved the bodies of five individuals taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 attack on southern Israel.
The bodies were recovered on Wednesday during an operation in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, and have been returned to Israel. The deceased include Maya Goren, a civilian, and four soldiers: Ravid Aryeh Katz, Oren Goldin, Tomer Ahimas, and Kiril Brodski.
The families of the deceased have been notified, with kibbutzim Nir Oz and Nir Yitzhak releasing statements confirming the recovery of Goren and Goldin’s bodies.
The October 7 attack by Hamas militants resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, and the seizure of 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 39,145 people, mostly civilians.
111 hostages remain in Gaza, including 39 confirmed dead by the military. Efforts to recover the remaining hostages continue.
The conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with significant loss of life and displacement. International efforts to broker a ceasefire and resolve the situation are ongoing.
