Bodies of 2 hostages, Idan Shtivi and Ilan Weiss, recovered from Gaza

In a joint IDF-ISA operation, the bodies of abducted hostages Idan Shtivi and Ilan Weiss were located in the Gaza Strip and returned to Israel.

Idan Shtivi, 28, was brutally murdered at the Nova Music Festival on October 7th, 2023, and his body was abducted to the Gaza Strip.

Ilan Weiss, 55, of Kibbutz Be’eri, was killed defending the kibbutz on October 7th and his body abducted to the Gaza Strip. His wife Shiri and daughter Noga were also abducted and were released after 50 days in captivity.

Following the completion of the identification process at the National Center for Forensic Medicine, the families were formally notified regarding the return of the hostages.

“The body of Ilan Weiss, who was held hostage for 693 days in Gaza, has been recovered in a joint IDF and ISA military operation,” the IDF said in a post on X Friday. “Ilan was from Kibbutz Be’eri and left his home on the morning of October 7 to join the kibbutz emergency response team.”

“I offer my heartfelt condolences and support to the Weiss family and the community of Kibbutz Be’eri upon the recovery of the body of hostage Ilan Weiss, of blessed memory,” stated President Isaac Herzog.

“692 days after he was brutally kidnapped with his wife Shiri and their daughter Noga, Ilan’s body was recovered in a joint IDF and Shin Bet operation. A moment of deep sorrow, but also of closure.

“Ilan showed courage and noble spirit when he fought the terrorists on that dark day. In his death, he gave life. And ever since, his family has shown extraordinary strength in their struggle for his return.”

Weiss, 56, was murdered and kidnapped by Hamas during the massacre. His wife, Shiri, 54, and daughter Noga, 19, were also taken hostage by Hamas during the attacks and were released during a ceasefire in November 2023.

President Herzog on the recovery of the body of hostage Idan Shtivi stated, “Idan Shtivi came to celebrate at the Nova Festival on October 7. He was murdered while helping others fleeing the terrorist onslaught, and his body was held hostage in Gaza. In a joint IDF–ISA operation, he has now been brought home for a dignified burial.

“I hope this will bring a measure of comfort to his beloved parents, Eli and Dalit, and to his siblings, who have shown remarkable strength in their determined struggle for his return.”

There are now 48 remaining hostages held in Gaza, of which 20 are presumed to be alive. Last week, President Donald Trump cast doubt on that figure, telling reporters that some Israeli hostages had died inside Gaza since the last ceasefire.

Israel has not responded to a Hamas offer for a ceasefire deal that would include the release of some of the living hostages. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have said they are no longer considering partial deals, even as the vast majority of Israelis support an end to the war in order to release the hostages and have staged multiple mass protests this month to press their case.

The recovery of the hostages’ remains comes as Israel instead widens fighting in Gaza City, which it says is one of Hamas’ last major redoubts. It also comes on the one-year anniversary of the murder of six hostages who were killed as Israeli troops neared the location in Rafah where they were being held, and as army leaders and advocates for the hostages warn that the Gaza City operation could risk the remaining hostages’ lives.

“The horrors committed by Hamas: murder, torture, abduction, are crimes against humanity,” stated President Herzog. “The world must show moral clarity, apply pressure, and act for the immediate release of all the hostages. We will not rest until every one of them is brought home, the living to the loving embrace of their families, and the fallen to be laid to rest in dignity. Every last one.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I convey our heartfelt condolences to the dear families and share in their deep sorrow.

“I thank our commanders and fighters for their successful action, determination and bravery.

“The campaign to return the hostages is ongoing. We will neither rest nor be silent until we bring all of our hostages back home, the living and the deceased.”

This article uses files by Grace Gilson, JTA.