The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced the recovery of the body of Israeli hostage Ilan Weiss, who was killed during the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
Weiss, 56, was defending Kibbutz Beeri when he was fatally wounded. His body was recovered in Gaza as part of an operation by Israeli forces.
In addition to Weiss’s body, the remains of a second hostage, whose identity has not been revealed, were also recovered by the IDF.
Following the attack in October, which killed 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage by Hamas, Israel launched a large-scale offensive in Gaza.
As of the latest update, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israel believing 20 of them are still alive.
Weiss’s 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 bravery and his family’s strength during their struggle for his return.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure to secure a deal to release the remaining hostages.
Meanwhile, protests continue to demand an end to the conflict as Israel pushes forward with its operations in Gaza City, with the aim of dismantling Hamas.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with over 90% of homes damaged or destroyed, and a UN report indicating famine in the region.
Since mid-August, tens of thousands of people have been displaced, and Israel’s military operations continue to escalate.
