The Israeli military announced on Tuesday that it had successfully recovered the bodies of six hostages who were taken in Hamas’ attack on October 7th, which ignited the conflict in Gaza. At the same time, U.S. and Arab negotiators were working to reach an agreement to stop the fighting and secure the release of many other hostages held by militants.
The military confirmed that the bodies were retrieved in a recent operation in southern Gaza, but did not provide details on when or how the six individuals died. A group representing the hostage families claimed that they were initially taken alive. Hamas alleges that some hostages were harmed during Israeli airstrikes.
Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza City school shelter resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals, while another strike in central Gaza killed a mother and her five children. The military stated that these strikes targeted Hamas facilities.
The recovery of these remains is a setback for Hamas, as they aim to exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners, an Israeli withdrawal, and a long-term ceasefire. This development is expected to increase pressure on the Israeli government to secure the release of other hostages who may still be alive.
Among the identified deceased are Chaim Perry, Yoram Metzger, Avraham Munder, Alexander Dancyg, Nadav Popplewell, and Yagev Buchshtav. The deaths of Metzger, Munder, Popplewell, and Buchshtav were confirmed following their family members’ release during a previous ceasefire.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the operation and expressed sympathy for the loss, stressing Israel’s commitment to bringing back all remaining hostages. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also praised the success of the operation targeting Hamas’ tunnel network.
It is reported that Hamas is still holding around 110 hostages from the October attack, with Israeli authorities estimating that a third of them may have perished. Efforts to broker a ceasefire continue, with Blinken urging both parties to bridge their differences for the sake of peace.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with aid agencies warning of potential public health crises. Efforts to mediate the crisis involve key players such as Egypt and Qatar, which have been instrumental in engaging with Hamas.
