CurrentReport Blog In a heart-wrenching development, the Israeli military confirmed on Friday the discovery of the bodies of three Israeli hostages killed by Hamas during its October 7 attack. The grim find was announced by military spokesman Daniel Hagari, who revealed that the victims included German-Israeli Shani Louk.
Addressing the press, Hagari detailed that the bodies were uncovered overnight in the Gaza Strip’s southern city of Rafah. All three victims were brutally killed by Hamas militants while attempting to flee the Nova music festival, an outdoor event near the Gaza border that turned into a massacre with hundreds of people killed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his profound sorrow over the tragic deaths, calling them “heartbreaking.” He reiterated his commitment to bringing home all hostages, stating, “We will return all of our hostages, both the living and the dead.”
The search for hostages continues in Rafah, where Israeli forces believe more captives are being held. Current estimates indicate around 100 hostages remain in Gaza, along with the bodies of approximately 30 more victims. The conflict, which has escalated since the October attack, has resulted in the deaths of over 35,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza.
Netanyahu has vowed to dismantle Hamas and secure the return of all hostages, yet progress has been slow. The Israeli leader faces mounting pressure to step down amidst the ongoing crisis, with the United States warning of a potential reduction in support due to the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza.
