The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has successfully recovered the bodies of three Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip during a joint overnight operation with the Shin Bet security service, military officials announced on Sunday.
The recovery operation, conducted by the Gaza Division, retrieved the remains of 71-year-old Ofra Keidar, 22-year-old Jonathan Samerano, and 19-year-old Staff Sgt. Shay Levinson. Military officials credited "precise intelligence" gathered by the Hostages Headquarters unit, the Military Intelligence Directorate, and the Shin Bet for enabling the successful mission.
Details of the Recovered Hostages
According to the IDF statement, Ofra Keidar was murdered by Hamas-led terrorists during the October 7, 2023, attack on Kibbutz Be'eri before her body was taken into Gaza. Jonathan Samerano had initially escaped the Nova music festival with two friends and sought refuge in Be'eri, where they were killed and his body subsequently abducted.
Staff Sgt. Shay Levinson, who served as a tank commander stationed along the Gaza border, was killed while defending against Hamas forces near the Nova festival grounds. His body was also taken into Gaza following the attack.
All three bodies have been transferred to Israel for forensic identification at the Abu Kabir institute, and their families have been notified of the recovery.
Ongoing Hostage Situation
The latest figures from Israeli officials indicate that terror groups in Gaza continue to hold 50 hostages, with 49 of them having been kidnapped during the October 7 assault. The IDF has confirmed that at least 28 of these hostages are deceased, while 20 are believed to be alive. The status of two others remains uncertain.
Hamas is also reported to be holding the body of an IDF soldier killed during the 2014 conflict.
This recovery operation represents a significant development in Israel's ongoing efforts to return all hostages taken during the October 7 attacks, though dozens remain unaccounted for as the conflict continues.
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