Three Hostage Bodies Recovered as Gaza War Continues
Israeli forces announced the recovery of the bodies of three more hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, June 22, 2025. The difficult operation underscores the ongoing effort to bring home all those abducted during the devastating October 7th attack.
The military identified the recovered individuals as Yonatan Samerano, 21, Ofra Keidar, 70, and Shay Levinson, 19. According to Israeli authorities, all three were tragically killed during the initial Hamas assault on southern Israel and their bodies subsequently taken into Gaza. Kobi Samerano shared that his son Yonatan’s remains were returned on what would have been his 23rd birthday, describing the return as “wrapped in the light of heroism.” The military did not disclose specific operational details regarding the recovery.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s unwavering commitment to locating and returning all remaining hostages, whether alive or deceased. He stated that this campaign continues alongside the nation’s broader military actions, including recent operations against Iran.
The October 7th attack initiated the current 20-month conflict in Gaza. Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and seized 251 hostages that day. The subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing nearly the entire population and resulting in extensive destruction. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that over 55,000 Palestinians, including a significant number of women and children, have been killed in the conflict, though their figures do not differentiate between combatants and civilians.
The Latest Count: How Many Hostages Are Still Held in Gaza?
Efforts to secure the release and recovery of the captives have seen various outcomes since October 7, 2023:
Total Captured (Oct 7): 251
Released through Deals/Exchanges: 148 (including 8 who were found deceased)
Rescued Alive by Israeli Forces: 8
Bodies Recovered by Israeli Forces: 49 (including the 3 most recently announced)
Following these recoveries and releases, approximately 50 hostages are believed to remain in captivity in Gaza. Israeli officials estimate that among these remaining captives, around 27 are deceased, though estimates on the number of living hostages vary significantly, with some suggesting fewer than 25 may still be alive. The fate of several others remains uncertain. The captives still held include four non-Israelis – two Thai nationals and one Tanzanian confirmed dead, and one Nepalese national.
Challenges and Conditions for Release
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing the relatives, expressed profound grief but also a measure of comfort from the recovery, acknowledging the agony endured over 625 days. They continue to advocate passionately for a deal to bring the remaining hostages home, emphasizing that achieving any true “victory” requires their return.
Hamas has publicly stated that it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for a large number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a permanent ceasefire, and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu has reportedly rejected these terms, vowing to continue the war until all hostages are returned and Hamas is defeated. Reports have also indicated potential direct talks between the U.S. and Hamas regarding the hostages, highlighting the complexity of negotiations.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Reports indicate that all ambulance services in Gaza City have ceased operations due to a lack of fuel, severely hindering medical aid. Challenges persist in the distribution of humanitarian aid, with tragic incidents reported where individuals were killed while waiting for assistance, fueling accusations of Israeli forces firing near aid crowds – claims the Israeli military disputes, stating they fire warning shots only when approached suspiciously.
The recovery of the three bodies serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the protracted conflict and the urgent need to resolve the fate of all those still held captive in Gaza.
