The bodies of two Israeli hostages have been recovered from Gaza, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced.He said the bodies of husband and wife Judi Weinstein Haggai, 70, and Gad Haggai, 72, were recovered during a special operation by the Israeli military and the country’s security agency, Shin Bet.
Mr Netanyahu said they were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz and taken into Gaza during Hamas’s 7 October attack in 2023.In a statement, Mr Netanyahu said: “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.
“We will not rest or be silent until we return all of our abductees home – the living and the dead alike.”
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The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum has been campaigning for the safe return of all Israeli citizens held hostage by Hamas.The hostage families said in a statement: “The return of Judi and Gad is painful and heartbreaking, yet it also brings healing to our uncertainty.”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.
“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. There is no need to wait another 608 agonising days for this.”The mission can be completed as early as tomorrow morning. This is what the majority of the Israeli people want.”This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.Please refresh the page for the latest version.You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.