The body of Israeli hostage Ilan Weiss has been recovered in an operation in the Gaza Strip, Israel's military has announced. Weiss, 56, was killed during Hamas's attack in southern Israel on 7 October 2023. The remains of a second hostage, whose identity has not been released yet, were also recovered, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says. Israel launched a massive offensive in Gaza following the attack in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken back to the territory as hostages. After the latest announcement, 48 hostages remain in Gaza - 20 of whom Israel believes are still alive.
Ilan Weiss was killed while defending Kibbutz Beeri on the day of the attack. His body was taken to Gaza. Weiss's wife, Shiri, and daughter, Noga, were taken hostage by Hamas on the same day, but they were released during a temporary ceasefire in November 2023. Ilan showed courage and noble spirit when he fought the terrorists on that dark day, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said, before praising Weiss's family's extraordinary strength in their struggle for his return.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been facing strong domestic pressure to agree to a deal that would enable the return of all hostages still in captivity. Huge protests have been held demanding an end to the war, as Israel pushes ahead with its plan to take over Gaza City and eventually establish control over the entire Strip. Netanyahu argues that defeating Hamas will secure the release of the hostages. The IDF stated that a scheduled pause in military action, originally due to come into effect, would not apply to Gaza City, emphasizing ongoing military action as they carry out air strikes on the area. This escalation has displaced thousands of residents, leading to mounting humanitarian concerns from international observers.
Ilan Weiss was killed while defending Kibbutz Beeri on the day of the attack. His body was taken to Gaza. Weiss's wife, Shiri, and daughter, Noga, were taken hostage by Hamas on the same day, but they were released during a temporary ceasefire in November 2023. Ilan showed courage and noble spirit when he fought the terrorists on that dark day, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said, before praising Weiss's family's extraordinary strength in their struggle for his return.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been facing strong domestic pressure to agree to a deal that would enable the return of all hostages still in captivity. Huge protests have been held demanding an end to the war, as Israel pushes ahead with its plan to take over Gaza City and eventually establish control over the entire Strip. Netanyahu argues that defeating Hamas will secure the release of the hostages. The IDF stated that a scheduled pause in military action, originally due to come into effect, would not apply to Gaza City, emphasizing ongoing military action as they carry out air strikes on the area. This escalation has displaced thousands of residents, leading to mounting humanitarian concerns from international observers.
