The Israel Defense Forces confirmed Thursday that it has recovered from Gaza the bodies of two Israeli Americans who were killed during Hamas's Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel.
Victims Gadi Haggai, 72, and Judy Weinstein-Haggai, 70, were murdered by members of the Mujahideen Brigades, a small Palestinian terrorist group, and taken into Gaza under Hamas's control, according to the New York Times. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the IDF recovered the Haggais' bodies during a special operation overnight in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis.
Two other American citizens' bodies remain in Gaza, with no Americans believed to be among the surviving hostages, the Times reported. The Thursday operation brings the total number of hostages in Gaza to 56, including 23 thought to be alive, according to the Israeli government.
Hamas has snubbed the latest U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, which called for a 60-day pause in fighting during which hostages would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, followed by further U.S.-mediated talks to permanently end the war. The Trump administration called Hamas's response "unacceptable," saying it "only takes us backward."
Weinstein-Haggai, a retired English teacher who worked with special needs children, and Haggai, a retired chef and jazz musician, were out for an early morning walk when they were caught in the Hamas-led assault, the New York Post reported. According to audio published by Israeli news outlet Ynet, Weinstein-Haggai called emergency services, saying she had been struck in the face and believed her husband was dead. She died that day of her injuries.
"Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the dear families," Netanyahu wrote on X. "Our hearts ache for the most terrible loss. May their memory be blessed."
Netanyahu, who has vowed to eliminate Hamas terrorists entirely, thanked the "fighters and commanders" for the "successful execution" in bringing the two bodies home and pledged not to "rest or be silent until we bring all our captives home—the living and the dead alike."