by Admin
22/6/2025
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed the recovery of the bodies of two hostages and an Israeli soldier from the Gaza Strip during a military operation carried out on Saturday.
The remains of Yonatan Samrano, Ofra Keidar, and Staff Sergeant Shai Levinson were retrieved by Israeli forces.
“I thank our commanders and fighters for a successful operation, for their determination and courage,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), this brings the total number of hostages’ bodies recovered from Gaza this month to eight.
Netanyahu emphasized the continued efforts to recover all those abducted during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
“The campaign to return the abductees continues alongside the campaign against Iran. We will not rest until all our abductees, both the living and the fallen, are brought home,” he said.
The IDF did not disclose the specific location in Gaza where the latest remains were found.
Ofra Keidar, 71, was killed during the October 7 attack at a kibbutz, with her body subsequently taken into Gaza.
Staff Sgt. Shai Levinson, 19, was killed in combat while engaging Hamas militants that same morning.
Earlier on Sunday, Yonatan Samrano’s father, Kobi Samrano, shared the news of his son’s recovery via Instagram.
“Yesterday was Yonati’s Hebrew birthday. On his 23rd birthday, the very day he was born, Yonati was brought back in a heroic operation by the brave soldiers of the IDF and Shin Bet,” he wrote.
In response to the announcement, Israel’s Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed both sorrow and a measure of relief. “Our hearts are with the Keidar, Samrano, and Levinson families today.
Alongside the grief and pain, the return of their corpses brings some comfort to families who have endured 625 days of anguish, uncertainty, and doubt,” the statement read.
The forum also stressed the importance of continuing efforts to rescue the remaining 50 hostages, stating, “There will be no victory until the last hostage returns.”
The October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 251 others.
In response to Hamas’ assault, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, which has since resulted in the deaths of at least 54,677 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Of the original hostages, 54 are still believed to be in captivity, including 31 who the IDF believes are no longer alive.