Washington D.C. – CNN, June 05, 2025
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.
