TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel has announced the recovery of the bodies of two Israeli-American hostages, Judih Weinstein and Gad Haggai, who were taken during Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023. This incident marked the beginning of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the remains were retrieved in a special military operation conducted by the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet internal security agency.

In a statement, Netanyahu expressed his condolences, saying, "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."

Weinstein, 70, and Haggai, 72, both held Israeli and U.S. citizenship, with Weinstein also being a Canadian citizen. Their deaths were announced by Kibbutz Nir Oz, where they lived. The military reported that the couple was killed during the initial attack and subsequently taken into Gaza by the Mujahideen Brigades, a small armed group responsible for other abductions and killings.

The couple was out for a morning walk near their home when Hamas militants crossed the border, attacking several military bases and communities. In a desperate call to emergency services, Weinstein informed them that both she and her husband had been shot. She also managed to send a message to her family before being taken.

Weinstein was a dedicated teacher who worked with children with special needs and taught meditation techniques to help them cope with anxiety caused by the ongoing conflict. Haggai was a retired chef and jazz musician. Their daughter, Iris Haggai Liniado, shared her relief on Facebook, stating, "My beautiful parents have been freed. We have certainty," while thanking the Israeli military and both the Israeli and U.S. governments.

The couple is survived by two sons, two daughters, and seven grandchildren, as noted by their kibbutz.

In related developments, Israeli airstrikes overnight resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, including three local journalists, according to health officials in Gaza. The strikes in Khan Younis reportedly killed at least 10 Palestinians, while the attack in Gaza City targeted the courtyard of al-Ahli Hospital, resulting in the deaths of three reporters and injuries to six others. The Israeli military stated it is investigating the incident.

The military maintains that it only targets militants and attributes civilian casualties to Hamas, which it claims operates within populated areas. Since the onset of the conflict, over 180 journalists and media workers have been killed, primarily in Gaza, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

The conflict has seen Hamas militants kill approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, during the October 7 attack, and they have taken 251 hostages. Currently, 56 hostages remain in captivity, with around a third believed to be alive. Israeli forces have rescued eight living hostages and recovered numerous bodies.

The ongoing military campaign has resulted in over 54,000 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The offensive has devastated large areas of Gaza and displaced around 90% of its population, which is roughly 2 million.

Efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to negotiate a ceasefire and facilitate hostage releases have stalled. Hamas has stated it will only release remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Netanyahu has rejected these terms, insisting that Israel will only agree to temporary ceasefires to aid in the return of hostages. He has vowed to continue military operations until all hostages are returned and Hamas is defeated.