Israel recovers the body of a hostage abducted by Hamas

Israel confirmed on Wednesday that it had repatriated the body of Youssef al-Zayadna, who was captured by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack. Found in an underground tunnel in Rafah, in the Gaza Strip, Youssef, 53, and father of 19 children, was killed in captivity. His son, Hamza al-Zayadna, who was abducted on the same day, remains unaccounted for. According to the Israeli army, evidence discovered during the operation “raises serious concerns for his life.”

Youssef and Hamza were abducted while working at Kibbutz Holit, in southern Israel. Contrary to an initial statement by the Minister of Defense, the IDF clarified that only Youssef’s body was recovered.

Hamas ready to release 34 hostages

While about 100 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza, Hamas has announced its willingness to release 34 captives as part of an agreement. A Hamas official, however, stated that the group needs about a week of calm to identify the living and the dead.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that an agreement on a truce is “very close,” offering hope for the hostages’ families and the continuation of negotiations.