Bodies of six Israeli hostages retrieved from Gaza, Israel says
Israeli authorities announced the retrieval of six hostages' bodies from Gaza during a military operation in Khan Younis. The deceased were identified as Yoram Metzger, Alexander Dancyg, Avraham Munder, Chaim Peri, Nadav Popplewell, and Yagev Buchshtab, with most previously reported dead. Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed gratitude for the operation, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to return hostages and dismantle Hamas.
Currently, 109 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, with 36 believed to be deceased. The operation was facilitated by intelligence from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA). As negotiations for a ceasefire continue, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is involved in discussions to bridge gaps between Israel and Hamas.
The situation remains tense, with ongoing military operations in Gaza resulting in civilian casualties, including a recent airstrike on a school sheltering displaced individuals. The Israeli military claims to target Hamas operations while attempting to minimize civilian harm.