The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) successfully recovered the bodies of six deceased Israeli hostages in a rescue operation led by the Yahalom Unit of the Paratroopers Brigade. The bodies were returned from Khan Yunis area in Gaza after a complex operation that involved locating a tunnel shaft leading to an underground tunnel route where the hostages were found. The operation resulted in the elimination of terrorists and the destruction of terrorist infrastructure. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased hostages and praised the soldiers and commanders for their heroism and determined action.
The remaining 109 hostages held by Hamas continue to be a priority for the IDF and ISA, who are deploying all operational and intelligence means to fulfill the mission of bringing them back. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum emphasized the importance of returning all the remaining hostages, whether deceased or alive, for proper burial and rehabilitation. The organization called on the Israeli government to finalize a negotiated deal currently on the table with the assistance of mediators in order to secure the immediate return of the remaining hostages.
While seven of the hostages have been rescued, there are still 109 hostages in the custody of Hamas, with 36 of them presumed dead and their bodies still in Gaza. The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Netanyahu had “accepted” President Biden’s cease-fire plan, although Netanyahu has yet to formally agree to any cease-fire. The U.S. is coordinating with Egyptian and Qatari leadership in an effort to bridge the gaps between the warring parties and finalize a cease-fire deal that would secure the release of all hostages, increase humanitarian assistance, and contribute to broader regional stability.
Blinken also had discussions with Egyptian counterparts in an attempt to finalize the cease-fire deal and address regional issues such as the conflict in Sudan. Additionally, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) struck two Hezbollah launchers in southern Lebanon that were prepared to be used against Israeli territory. The U.S. and Egypt have engaged in strategic dialogue to strengthen their partnership on various issues. Netanyahu assured the families of the remaining hostages that the IDF is working tirelessly to dismantle Hamas’ rule and military capability while simultaneously striving to return the hostages and maintain strategic security assets.
The rescue operation for the six deceased hostages took place amid ongoing efforts to negotiate a broader cease-fire in Gaza and secure the release of all remaining hostages. Netanyahu emphasized the need to eliminate Hamas and achieve victory in the region, while also working towards the safe return of all hostages. The IDF and ISA are committed to using all necessary force and means to achieve these objectives and maintain Israel’s strategic security assets. Cooperation with international partners, including the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, continues to be crucial in resolving the conflict and ensuring the safe return of the hostages.
