The bodies of three hostages from the Gaza Strip have been found by the Israeli military, announced on Friday.
According to IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari in a press conference in Tel Aviv, the hostages were identified as Shani Louk, Amit Bouskila, and Itshak Gelernter. They were taken captive on October 7 and tragically killed while trying to escape the Nova music festival, with their bodies then taken into Gaza, as reported by the IDF.
"They were enjoying the Nova music festival, celebrating life, when they were tragically killed by Hamas," he mentioned.
Authorities have identified the bodies and the families have been notified. Hagari also mentioned that the bodies have been sent to medical experts for forensic analysis.
Hagari did not reveal the location where the bodies were discovered at the press conference. He mentioned that the bodies were recovered in a joint operation between the IDF and Shin Bet.
According to a report by CNN analyst and Axios reporter Barak Ravid, the bodies were located in a tunnel in Gaza as stated by an IDF spokesperson.
Nissim Louk, father of Shani Louk, shared with Israeli media that his daughter's body was found well-preserved in a deep and cold tunnel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his sorrow in a post on X, stating, "Our hearts ache for the immense loss. My wife Sara and I mourn with the families. Our thoughts are with them during this time of mourning."
All our hostages, whether deceased or alive, will be returned. I want to commend our courageous forces for their determined efforts in bringing back our loved ones," he said.
Out of the three hostages, only Louk had been officially declared dead by the Israeli government.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared the 23-year-old German-Israeli woman dead in late October. According to a source involved in her identification, Louk's death was confirmed after forensic examiners discovered a bone fragment from her skull.
After the music festival attack, her lifeless body was captured on video being placed on the back of a Hamas truck.
Louk's family expressed a sense of closure now that her body has been found. According to a statement shared with CNN, the IDF visited their home on Friday to inform them that they had recovered Louk's body from a tunnel in Gaza and brought her back to Israel.
The family mentioned that each update brings them back to the tragic moment when they learned about their daughter's brutal murder by Hamas on October 7th. Despite the pain, they find comfort in having her body back, allowing them to lay her to rest nearby. This brings them some closure, the family added.
Shani will always be remembered as a beautiful and peace-loving person who cherished music, dancing, and life. She brought light and hope to us and many others around the world. This is the memory of Shani that we hold dear.
Around 240 individuals were kidnapped and moved to Gaza during the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, which resulted in the tragic loss of over 1,200 lives. While a little over 100 hostages were freed in a release agreement in November, the IDF suspects that there are still 132 individuals being held captive in Gaza, with 128 of them taken on the fateful day of October 7.
The IDF thinks that out of the 132 hostages, 40 have sadly passed away, including two taken in 2014.
Even after several rounds of discussions between Israeli and Hamas negotiators, a agreement to free the rest of the hostages has been difficult to achieve for months.
Last Friday, Hamas militants expressed disappointment that Israel had refused a ceasefire plan proposed by mediators in Cairo, causing discussions on releasing hostages to start over from the beginning.
This announcement was made following the conclusion of the most recent discussions on a Gaza truce and hostage agreement in Cairo, which unfortunately did not result in an agreement.
The militant group claimed that Netanyahu was blocking the ceasefire talks to justify attacking Rafah in southern Gaza.
This report includes contributions from CNN's Eliza Talmadge.
Editor's P/S:
The discovery of the hostages' bodies in Gaza has evoked a profound sense of sorrow and outrage. The families of the victims have endured unimaginable pain and anguish, and the news of their loved ones' tragic demise has reopened old wounds. The Israeli government's determination to retrieve all hostages, living or deceased, is commendable, yet it highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where civilians continue to suffer under the weight of conflict.
The article sheds light on the complex negotiations between Israel and Hamas, which have been hampered by mistrust and differing demands. The militants' accusations against Netanyahu further complicate the situation, underscoring the need for a durable ceasefire and a comprehensive agreement that addresses both security concerns and the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian population. The international community must play a more active role in facilitating dialogue and finding a just solution that respects the rights of all parties involved.
