The Israeli military, in coordination with the Shin Bet security agency, has recovered the bodies of Judith Weinstein-Haggai, 70, and Gadi Haggai, 72, a dual Israeli-American couple held in Gaza since the October 2023 conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the recovery in a statement, expressing sorrow for the loss and vowing to continue efforts to bring all missing hostages home.
The couple, residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz, were tragically killed during the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages. The ensuing Israeli military offensive has, according to the Palestinian health ministry, led to the deaths of over 54,000 people in Gaza, including thousands of children.
While their fate remained unclear initially, President Joe Biden confirmed in December 2023 that Weinstein-Haggai and Haggai were killed on October 7th. The recovery of their remains provides some closure for their families and the nation.
Netanyahu’s statement emphasized Israel’s unwavering commitment to securing the return of all abductees, both alive and deceased. This recovery leaves Itay Chen and Omer Neutra as the only remaining Israeli-Americans believed to be held captive in Gaza.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing the families of those held in Gaza, welcomed the return of Weinstein-Haggai and Haggai’s remains, highlighting the importance of proper burial. They also reiterated calls for a ceasefire and the return of all remaining hostages.
Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have unfortunately stalled since their collapse in March, with both Israel and Hamas assigning blame for the impasse. The ongoing situation remains complex and deeply tragic for all involved.
