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, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages. Following the latest announcement, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, 20 of whom Israel believes are still alive.
Described as a brave individual, Ilan Weiss was defending Kibbutz Beeri on the day of the attack. His wife, Shiri, and daughter, Noga, were also taken hostage but were released during a temporary ceasefire in November 2023. Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised Weiss for his courage in facing the attackers.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is encountering increasing domestic pressure to negotiate the return of all remaining hostages. Protests demanding an end to hostilities have escalated, as Israel continues its efforts to regain control over Gaza City, launching a renewed offensive even as humanitarian conditions deteriorate in the region.
The IDF stated that planned pauses in military action will not apply to Gaza City, and recent air strikes have intensified as residents are urged to evacuate south. The ongoing conflict has prompted a severe humanitarian crisis, with reports indicating widespread destruction and famine conditions in Gaza.
Israel launched a massive offensive in Gaza following the attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages. Following the latest announcement, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, 20 of whom Israel believes are still alive.
Described as a brave individual, Ilan Weiss was defending Kibbutz Beeri on the day of the attack. His wife, Shiri, and daughter, Noga, were also taken hostage but were released during a temporary ceasefire in November 2023. Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised Weiss for his courage in facing the attackers.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is encountering increasing domestic pressure to negotiate the return of all remaining hostages. Protests demanding an end to hostilities have escalated, as Israel continues its efforts to regain control over Gaza City, launching a renewed offensive even as humanitarian conditions deteriorate in the region.
The IDF stated that planned pauses in military action will not apply to Gaza City, and recent air strikes have intensified as residents are urged to evacuate south. The ongoing conflict has prompted a severe humanitarian crisis, with reports indicating widespread destruction and famine conditions in Gaza.
