IDF recovers bodies of US-Israeli couple taken on Oct 7
The remains of Judith Weinstein Haggai, 70, and Gad Haggai, 72, were recovered in an operation conducted overnight by the IDF and the Shin Bet internal security agency in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis.
Their bodies have been brought back to Israel for forensic identification.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said: '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.
'I would like to thank, and express appreciation to, the fighters and commanders for this determined and successful operation. We will not rest, nor will we be silent, until we return home all of our hostages – the living and the deceased.'
The couple's deaths in the Nir Oz kibbutz during the Hamas-led massacre had previously been confirmed in December 2023.
They used to take a walk around the kibbutz each morning, and it was then that they ran into the terrorists converging on the community, according to an IDF official.
The official said the couple were murdered by Kitab al-Mujahidin terrorists, the same group that held Shiri, Kfir and Ariel Bibas, who were murdered in captivity, Israel has said.
Both were dual US-Israeli citizens, but Mrs Haggai also had Canadian citizenship.
In the early hours of the morning on Oct 7, Mrs Haggai was able to call emergency services and let them know that both she and her husband had been shot, and send a message to her family.
She was born in New York and taught English to children with special needs at the Nir Oz kibbutz, a small community near the Gaza border.
The kibbutz said she also taught meditation techniques to children and teenagers who suffered from anxiety as a result of rocket fire from Gaza. Mr Haggai was a retired chef and jazz musician.
Iris Haggai Liniado, their daughter, wrote in a Facebook post: 'My beautiful parents have been freed. We have certainty.'
She thanked the Israeli military, the FBI and the Israeli and US governments and called for the release of all the remaining hostages.
The couple are survived by two sons, two daughters and seven grandchildren, the kibbutz said.
The Times of Israel reported an unnamed official as saying it was the interrogation of a terrorist captured in Gaza that led to the operation to recover their bodies.
There are now 56 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Israel said its expanded offensive in the Strip, named Operation Gideon's Chariot, will increase the chances of returning the missing.
However, many of the hostage families have expressed alarm at the new tactic of seizing and holding territory, which follows heavy bombardment, and are urging Mr Netanyahu to make a deal with Hamas.
Hamas has rejected proposed ceasefire and hostage release deals that do not guarantee a full Israel withdrawal from the Strip and an end to the war.
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