Israeli Forces Recover Bodies of Hostages Killed in Gaza Attack

Judi and Gadi Haggai were killed in a terrorist attack and their bodies have been returned to Israel. The quest continues for the remaining 56 hostages held by Hamas.

Israeli military forces have announced the recovery of the bodies of two American-Israeli citizens who were taken hostage during the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Judi Weinstein Haggai, a 70-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Canada, along with her husband Gadi Haggai, 72, were gunned down by members of the Mujahideen Brigades during the attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Their remains were found in the southern Khan Younis region of Gaza and have been transported back to Israel for forensic examination. Currently, there are still 56 hostages under Hamas's control in Gaza, with reports suggesting that at least 20 of them may still be alive.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences to the Haggai families, saying, "Our hearts grieve over this terrible loss. May their memories be blessed." He praised the efforts of the soldiers involved in recovering the bodies and assured that efforts would continue to return all hostages, both living and deceased.

The families of Judi and Gadi Haggai shared about the couple's final day, emphasizing their anguish over the incident. "We welcome the closure and their return to a proper burial at home, in Israel," they stated. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged leadership to expedite negotiations for a new ceasefire with Hamas to facilitate the return of the remaining hostages, pressing that waiting an extended period is unnecessary for the majority of Israeli citizens.

In response to the unprovoked cross-border attack nearly 20 months ago, which claimed the lives of about 1,200 individuals and led to 251 hostages being captured, Israel has initiated a military campaign in Gaza. The repercussions of this conflict have been devastating, with over 54,607 casualties reported in Gaza since the military operations began, according to statistics provided by Hamas-run health authorities.