Bodies of Two Israeli-American Hostages Recovered from Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
Wafricnews - June 5, 2025
The remains of two Israeli-American hostages abducted during the violent Hamas attack on southern Israel last October have been recovered from southern Gaza, Israeli military and security sources confirmed.
Judy Weinstein-Haggai, 70, and Gadi Haggai, 72, were captured near their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7, 2023 assault. Their deaths mark a tragic chapter in a conflict that has left deep wounds on all sides.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking on the recovery, extended condolences to the families and thanked the soldiers and commanders who took part in the complex operation. He vowed that Israel would continue its efforts to bring home all remaining hostages, living or deceased.
“We will not rest and we will not be silent until all our hostages—both the living and the fallen—are brought home,” Netanyahu said.
The couple’s community at Kibbutz Nir Oz remembered them as devoted family members and active members of their community. Gadi was described as a talented musician and passionate advocate for healthy living and connection to the land, while Judy was celebrated for her creativity, poetry, and dedication to peace.
Their family, which includes four children and seven grandchildren, expressed profound gratitude for the return of their loved ones, while mourning the loss and acknowledging the ongoing struggle for the remaining hostages.
“They went out for a walk on that Black Saturday morning and never came back,” the family said, thanking Israeli and U.S. authorities, including the FBI, for their tireless efforts.
Currently, 56 hostages remain in Gaza, many held since the escalation of conflict in 2023, with a few dating back to earlier incidents. Around 20 are believed to still be alive, though the fate of many remains uncertain.
The recovery of bodies and hostages has been rare amid the long and brutal war, underscoring the human cost beyond military and political calculations. Previous recoveries include soldier Oron Shaul’s remains, taken in Gaza following the 2014 conflict, and findings related to Manny Goddard, another hostage killed during the recent violence.
The Israel Hostages and Missing Families Forum described the return of the bodies as both “heartbreaking and healing,” emphasizing the moral duty of the state to recover all those taken.
“Decision-makers must do everything necessary to reach an agreement that will return all remaining hostages—the living for rehabilitation and the deceased for burial,” the forum said.
The fate of hostages remains a central issue in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Efforts at mediated negotiations continue, with the return of hostages often cited as a key condition for any ceasefire or broader peace talks.
As the violence drags on, the tragic stories of individuals like Judy and Gadi remind us that behind the political headlines are families seeking closure and the hope for peace.
By WafricNews Desk.
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