Israeli forces operating in the Gaza Strip recovered the body of a 55-year-old man who was taken hostage and murdered by Hamas during their Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed some 1,200 people, officials said Friday.
The victim, Ilan Weiss, was a member of the security squad at Kibbutz Be’eri in southern Israel when Hamas terrorists attacked from the Gaza Strip. He was killed after joining the mission to protect the community, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called Mr. Weiss a hero.
Israeli officials said Hamas killed Mr. Weiss before transporting his body into Gaza.
“Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I convey our heartfelt condolences to the dear families and share in their deep sorrow,” Mr. Netanyahu said in a statement.
Mr. Weiss’ remains were confirmed by Israel’s National Center for Forensic Medicine. The body of another Israeli kidnapping victim was also recovered during the mission conducted by troops from the Israel Defense Forces and the Israel Security Agency, known as Shin Bet.
“I thank our commanders and fighters for their successful action, determination and bravery,” Mr. Netanyahu said. “The campaign to return the hostages is ongoing. We will never rest nor be silent until we bring all the hostages are back home, the living and the deceased.”
The victim’s wife, Shri, 54, and daughter Noga, 19, were taken hostage while at their homes in the kibbutz. They were released as part of a ceasefire deal in November 2023, officials said.
“The IDF and Shin Bet share in the grief of the families and will continue to make every effort to bring back all of the hostages,” Israeli security forces said in a statement.
A temporary pause in military operations in the Palestinian enclave won’t apply to the area around Gaza, which “constitutes a dangerous combat zone,” Israeli officials said.
“The IDF will continue to support the humanitarian effort in the Strip, parallel to the continuation of the maneuver and offensive activity against the terrorist organizations,” officials said.
