Israeli Forces Retrieve Remains of Three Captured Individuals in Gaza
The Israeli military has announced the recovery of the bodies of three hostages in Gaza, more than 20 months after their abduction by Hamas militants.
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“In a special operation, the bodies of the hostages Ofra Keidar, Yonatan Samerano, and Staff Sergeant Shay Levinson were recovered from the Gaza Strip yesterday,” stated the military in an official release.
Earlier on Sunday, Mr. Samerano’s father expressed relief, sharing that his son’s body—taken into Gaza after he was tragically murdered in a kibbutz on October 7, 2023—had finally been recovered by the Israeli army. In a heartfelt tribute, he praised “the brave soldiers of the IDF (Israeli military) and the Shin Bet” security service through a message on Instagram.
The tragic attack by Hamas in October 2023 has been labeled devastating, claiming the lives of 1,219 individuals, primarily civilians, according to an AFP tally derived from official reports. Among the 251 hostages taken during this assault, 49 still remain in Gaza, with the Israeli military asserting that 27 of those are now deceased.
In response, Israel’s military campaign has led to significantly higher casualties, with the Gaza health ministry reporting over 55,908 fatalities, predominantly among civilians. The United Nations has recognized these figures as credible.
As we reflect on these events, it is crucial to remember the human cost of conflict, which is often measured in lives irrevocably changed. “Peace is not merely the absence of war; it is the presence of justice,” a quote that reminds us of the importance of striving for resolution and healing in the region.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.