The Israeli military on Thursday recovered the bodies of two hostages who were captured during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The victims, identified as Judi Weinstein Haggai and Gadi Haggai, were discovered in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza during a joint operation conducted by the Israeli military and the Shin Bet internal security agency.
The couple were out for their morning walk in the Kibbutz Nir Oz area when they were attacked and murdered by gunmen from the Mujahideen Brigades group. Both of them had been declared dead in 2023.
Netanyahu’s statement
While releasing a statement on the matter, Netanyahu asserted that “Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. Our hearts ache for the most terrible loss. May their memory be blessed.”
"I would like to thank, and express appreciation to, the fighters and commanders for this determined and successful operation. We will not rest, nor will we be silent, until we return home all of our hostages – the living and the deceased," he added further.
Weinstem (70), who was a Canadian citizen, worked as an English teacher for children with special needs at Kibbutz Nir Oz. Her husband was a retired chef and a jazz musician. The couple is survived by two sons, two daughters and seven grandchildren, according to Kibbutz Nir Oz.
According to the Israeli military, around 56 hostages are still being held by Hamas in Gaza, 20 of which are still believed to be alive. Israel’s military campaign has led to over 54,000 Palestinian deaths, as per the Gaza Health Ministry.
