The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced the recovery of the body of Israeli hostage Ilan Weiss, 56, during an operation in the Gaza Strip. Weiss was killed on 7 October 2023 during Hamas’s unprecedented assault on southern Israel, which left 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage. His remains, along with those of another unidentified hostage, were brought back to Israel, the military confirmed.
Weiss was killed while defending Kibbutz Beeri, one of the hardest-hit communities in the Hamas attack, before his body was taken into Gaza. His wife, Shiri, and daughter, Noga, were also kidnapped that day but were released in November 2023 during a temporary ceasefire.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised Weiss for his bravery, stating, “Ilan showed courage and noble spirit when he fought the terrorists on that dark day.” He also commended Weiss’s family for their “extraordinary strength” throughout the ordeal.
The recovery of Weiss’s body comes as pressure mounts on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure the release of the remaining hostages. According to the IDF, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Protests demanding a deal to end the war and bring home the captives have intensified across Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel has escalated its military campaign in Gaza, confirming it has entered the “initial stages” of an advance into Gaza City. A planned humanitarian pause was canceled in the area following new directives from political leaders. The operation comes amid warnings from the United Nations and Western governments that a major offensive in Gaza City, home to more than a million people, would have catastrophic consequences.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. The UN estimates that more than 90% of homes are damaged or destroyed, with healthcare, water, and sanitation systems near collapse. A UN-backed body recently declared famine conditions in parts of the territory, though Israel disputes claims of starvation.
According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, at least 62,966 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s offensive began. Despite mounting international concern, Netanyahu insists that defeating Hamas is the only path to securing the release of hostages and ensuring Israel’s long-term security.
