Bodies of two Israeli-American hostages recovered from Gaza in joint military operation
CNN — The bodies of two Israeli-American hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7 were recovered from southern Gaza during a military operation, according to a statement from Israeli military and the Shin Bet security agency.
Judy Weinstein-Haggai, 70, and Gadi Haggai, 72, were killed near their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas attack on southern Israel in 2023.
'Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our deepest condolences to the dear families,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.
The prime minister thanked the soldiers and commanders involved in the operation and vowed to return all remaining hostages held in Gaza.
'We will not rest and we will not be silent until all our hostages – both the living and the fallen – are brought home,' he said.
A spokesperson for kibbutz Nir Oz said the bodies of the two hostages had been returned to Israel overnight and would be laid to rest.
The couple had four children and seven grandchildren.
In a statement the Kibbutz remembered Gadi as 'a sharp-minded man, a gifted wind instrument player since the age of three, deeply connected to the land, a chef and advocate of healthy vegan nutrition and sports,' and Judy as 'a poet, entrepreneur, creative spirit, and devoted advocate for peace and coexistence.'
A statement from the family, provided by the Nir Oz spokesperson expressed gratitude for the return of their missing loved ones.
'We are grateful for the closure we have been granted and for the return of our loved ones for burial – they went out for a walk on that Black Saturday morning and never came back. In this emotional moment, we want to thank the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) and security forces who carried out this complex rescue operation and have been fighting for us for over a year and a half, and to everyone who supported, struggled, prayed, and fought for us and for all the people of Israel,' it said.
The family also thanked the US administration, the Israeli government and the FBI for their 'tireless work and ongoing support.'
'Still, our hearts will not be whole until all 12 hostages from Nir Oz – and all 56 hostages – are brought home,' the statement added.
Heartbreak and healing
A total of 56 hostages remain in Gaza, including one taken in 2014. Twenty are believed to still be alive.
Throughout 20 months of war in the territory, the rescue of hostages and the recovery of bodies has happened on only a few occasions. In late-March, Israeli forces recovered 'findings' related to Manny Goddard, whose body was taken into Gaza after he was killed by members of Islamic Jihad on October 7, according to the IDF and the Shin Bet.
In January, Israeli forces recovered the body of soldier Oron Shaul, who was killed during a battle in the enclave in July 2014. The remains of another soldier killed during the same conflict remain in Gaza.
Israel's Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the latest news, calling it both heartbreaking and healing.
'Their return reminds us all that it is the state's duty to bring everyone home, so that we, the families, together with all the people of Israel, can begin the process of healing and recovery,' a statement from the forum said.
'Decision-makers must do everything necessary to reach an agreement that will return all 56 remaining hostages – the living for rehabilitation and the deceased for burial,' it added.
Bringing back all hostages still in Gaza is among Israel's primary war goals, along with the destruction of Hamas. The release of hostages has been a key point in mediated negotiations aimed toward a ceasefire between Israel and the militant group.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
See - Sada Elbalad
9 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Panama Shuts Down Internet, Mobile Services amid Violent Protests in Bocas del Toro
Taarek Refaat Panama's president José Raúl Molinar declared a state of emergency on Friday, suspending the rights to assemble and move freely in the province of Bocas del Toro, after demonstrators set up roadblocks, damaged the local airport, and caused significant disruptions to businesses and offices. In a statement released on X, the National Public Services Authority confirmed that, under the emergency decree, "temporary suspension of mobile phone and home internet services will be implemented in the province of Bocas del Toro until June 25." The authority clarified that internet access will still be available for healthcare institutions, businesses, and government agencies. The unrest in Bocas del Toro, a key banana-producing region, erupted nearly two months ago in opposition to government pension reforms. The protests escalated into violence on Thursday in the town of Changuinola, where masked groups looted several stores and set part of a baseball field on fire while police officers were inside. According to authorities, the violence resulted in one fatality, more than 100 arrests, and dozens of injuries, including 13 police officers. The protests initially began in late April with workers from the American banana giant, Chiquita, striking against pension reforms they argued would force them to work longer before retiring. In response, Chiquita terminated thousands of workers, which led to further unrest. Although banana farmer unions called off their protest last week in an attempt to prevent more layoffs, other groups and unions have continued their blockades and sit-ins. President Molinar is facing growing discontent on multiple fronts. In addition to the pension reform protests, Panamanians have also taken to the streets in opposition to a controversial agreement signed between the Panamanian government and U.S. President Donald Trump in April, which allows U.S. forces to deploy at U.S. military bases along the Panama Canal. In response to the increasing instability, the U.S. Embassy in Panama issued a security warning on Friday, advising American government employees against traveling to the protest epicenter in Bocas del Toro "until further notice." read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
See - Sada Elbalad
10 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
FM Holds Phone Talks with Saudi, Bahraini Counterparts
Nada Mustafa Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration, Badr Abdelatty, held two separate phone calls on Saturday with Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The calls were part of ongoing consultation and coordination in light of the rapidly escalating situation in the region, particularly the military confrontation between Israel and Iran and its serious implications for regional peace and security. The three ministers emphasized the urgent need to halt military escalation and establish a ceasefire, stressing that political and diplomatic solutions are the only viable paths out of the current crisis to preserve the region's security and stability. They also underlined the importance of avoiding a slide into further chaos and tension, and reiterated the need to respect the sovereignty of states, international law, and the principles of the United Nations Charter. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Daily News Egypt
11 hours ago
- Daily News Egypt
US strikes Iranian nuclear sites as Tehran responds with missile barrage on Israel
The escalating confrontation between the United States and Iran reached a dangerous new phase after US President Donald Trump announced a 'highly successful' strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities—an action that analysts warn could plunge the region into a full-scale war. Speaking from the White House, Trump said the operation targeted the nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, declaring that the Fordow facility was 'finished' after a full payload of precision-guided bombs was deployed. 'Now is the time for peace,' he said, following the announcement. According to a source quoted by Reuters, Iran had preemptively moved most of its highly enriched uranium from Fordow and had reduced staff presence at the site ahead of the strike. In swift retaliation, Iran launched dozens of missiles at Israel early Sunday, in what officials are calling the most direct and dangerous confrontation yet between the two states. Israeli authorities reported at least 27 injuries, with rockets striking Tel Aviv and Haifa and causing significant damage to infrastructure and residential areas. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz praised Trump's actions, calling them a 'historic decision' and emphasizing that the targeted strikes were meant to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. 'This is a pivotal moment for regional security,' he said. In Washington, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strikes had 'erased Iran's nuclear ambitions,' stressing that the operation was carefully designed to avoid civilian casualties. 'Any retaliation from Iran will trigger a significantly stronger response,' he warned. Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed that the Fordow facility had sustained extensive damage, calling the mission 'a major military success.' Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that 'the world is safer and more stable today,' and reiterated that the United States remains open to renewed dialogue with Iran, despite the operation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sharply condemned the strikes, calling them an 'unforgivable international crime.' He ruled out any talks with Washington 'as long as acts of aggression continue.' Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that the Iranian parliament approved a motion to close the Strait of Hormuz, pending final approval from the country's Supreme National Security Council—a move that could disrupt global oil flows. Although the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that no radiation had been released from the targeted nuclear sites, concerns remain over potential environmental fallout should the attacks continue. In response to Iran's missile barrage, the Israeli military launched additional airstrikes on Sunday targeting drone and missile bases in Isfahan, Bushehr, Ahvaz, and, for the first time, Yazd. According to Israeli military sources, 30 fighter jets were deployed in the operation. The financial cost of the ongoing conflict is mounting. Israeli media reported that over 32,000 damage compensation claims have been filed, with the total cost of the week-long conflict estimated at 12bn shekels—including 5bn shekels allocated to missile defense systems. Calls for de-escalation continue to intensify. Egypt's Foreign Ministry urged all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire and pursue a political resolution to the crisis. Cairo also held urgent consultations with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Jordan, emphasizing the need to uphold national sovereignty and prevent a broader descent into regional chaos. France, Germany, and the European Union joined the chorus of international concern. The EU's foreign policy chief labeled the situation 'extremely dangerous' and reiterated that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains a global security imperative, adding that diplomacy is the only path forward. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that Iran's nuclear program poses a 'serious threat' to international security and called on Tehran to re-engage in negotiations immediately. Regional powers, including Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait, expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict and warned of catastrophic consequences for regional stability if hostilities are not curtailed. While Israeli officials publicly denied plans for further escalation, the Financial Times reported that some senior figures within the government favor halting additional operations following the US strike—though they noted that Iran's next move would likely determine the trajectory of the conflict. On the ground, Iran's judiciary announced the arrest of seven individuals on charges of espionage and terrorism amid fears of further unrest. A senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard vowed continued attacks on Israel, declaring that 'the Zionist entity will not enjoy peace.' In a rare statement, Yemen's Houthi movement voiced solidarity with Iran, condemning the US and Israeli strikes as 'Zionist-American aggression' and violations of international law.
