Tel Aviv, Israel — In a significant development, Israeli forces have recovered the bodies of two Israeli-American hostages, Judi Lynn Weinstein and Gad Haggai, who were killed during Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023. The Israeli military and intelligence services confirmed the recovery on Thursday, marking a poignant moment in the ongoing conflict.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the remains of the couple were retrieved in a special operation conducted by the Israeli army and the Shin Bet internal security agency. "Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. Our hearts ache for the most terrible loss. May their memory be blessed," Netanyahu stated.

Weinstein, 70, and Haggai, 72, both held dual Israeli and U.S. citizenship. Their deaths were announced by Kibbutz Nir Oz in December 2023. The couple was taking an early morning walk near their home when Hamas militants crossed the border, leading to a violent rampage that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 251 others.

During the attack, Weinstein managed to call emergency services, informing them that both she and her husband had been shot. She also sent a message to her family, indicating the dire situation. The couple is survived by two sons, two daughters, and seven grandchildren.

The Israeli military reported that the remains were recovered from Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza, during an operation that was made possible through precise intelligence. A joint statement from the military and Shin Bet noted that this intelligence was obtained from the interrogations of captured terrorists during military operations in Gaza.

The couple's daughter, Iris Haggai Liniado, expressed her relief on social media, stating, "My beautiful parents have been freed. We have certainty." She thanked the Israeli military, the FBI, and both the Israeli and U.S. governments, while also calling for the release of the remaining 56 hostages believed to be held in Gaza.

Israeli authorities estimate that around 20 of those captives are still alive. The ongoing conflict has seen Israeli forces rescue eight living hostages and recover numerous bodies. The military campaign has resulted in significant casualties, with over 54,600 Palestinians reported dead, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with large parts of the territory destroyed and around 90% of its population displaced. Efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to broker a ceasefire and facilitate hostage releases have faced challenges, with Hamas demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages.

Netanyahu has rejected these terms, insisting that Israel will only agree to temporary ceasefires to facilitate the return of hostages. He has vowed to continue military operations until all hostages are returned and Hamas is defeated or disarmed. The international community has expressed concern over Israel's plans for Gaza, viewing them as potential violations of international law.