Israeli forces operating in Gaza have recovered the bodies of three hostages killed during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. The deceased included an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier and two civilians.
The recovery was announced following a joint operation by the Israel Security Agency (ISA) and the IDF on Saturday. The bodies were identified as those of 71-year-old Ofra Keidar, 21-year-old Yonatan Samerano, and 19-year-old IDF soldier Shay Levinson.
Remembering the Victims
Ofra Keidar: A resident of Kibbutz Be’eri, she was killed by Hamas militants within her community on October 7 while on a walk. Her body was subsequently taken to Gaza. Keidar was a wife and mother of three; her husband was also killed in the attack. Described by her kibbutz as a leading figure who helped Be’eri flourish, she is survived by three children and seven grandchildren.
Yonatan Samerano: From Tel Aviv, Samerano was killed by Hamas militants who attacked the Nova music festival. His body was taken to Gaza following the attack.
- Shay Levinson: A dual German-Israeli national and tank commander, Levinson was killed in combat on October 7, with his body later taken to the Gaza Strip.
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Grief and Calls for Further Action
The return of their loved ones’ bodies brought a measure of comfort to the families after enduring months of agonizing uncertainty. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum acknowledged the profound grief while noting the significance of the recovery.
The forum reiterated urgent calls for the return of the remaining hostages believed to be held in Gaza. They emphasized that securing the release of these individuals is crucial, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered his condolences to the families of Keidar, Samerano, and Levinson and thanked the soldiers involved in the recovery operation.
Context of Ongoing Efforts and the Broader Conflict
This recovery is part of continuous efforts by Israeli forces to locate and return hostages and the remains of those killed on October 7. These operations occur against the backdrop of the intense conflict in Gaza.
The war began after the unprecedented Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others, according to Israeli authorities.
The subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. Health authorities in the Hamas-run territory report that over 55,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began. The fighting has also displaced almost the entire population of 2.3 million people within Gaza, causing widespread destruction and leaving much of the enclave in ruins.
The Israeli government remains under significant pressure to secure the release of all captives still held by Hamas. However, sources indicate Prime Minister Netanyahu has rejected proposed terms for a wider deal, vowing instead to continue the military campaign until all hostages are returned and Hamas is defeated. The families of captives continue to rally and push for a resolution that brings their loved ones home.
