The Israeli military announced on Thursday that a 65-year-old Israeli woman, who had been taken hostage by Hamas militants on October 7, was discovered deceased close to Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. Yehudit Weiss, a resident of kibbutz Beeri, was located by Israeli soldiers in Gaza City and subsequently repatriated to Israel, as stated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
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Although the statement did not provide specific details regarding the method or timing of her death, it did mention that the body had been identified by military, medical, and rabbinate personnel who subsequently notified her family. The IDF expressed their sincere condolences to the grieving family while emphasizing the urgent priority of finding the missing individuals and reuniting them with their loved ones.
Weiss was one of over 200 individuals held captive by Hamas during their terrorist assault on October 7. The attack involved Hamas militants entering southern Israel and causing the deaths of over 1,200 people. Among the victims was Weiss's husband, Shmuel. The IDF confirmed that her remains were found in a nearby "structure" close to the Al-Shifa hospital. The IDF had initiated a "precise and targeted" operation against Hamas at the hospital on Wednesday, as they allege that the hospital has been utilized for military activities by Hamas.
Hamas and hospital officials have consistently rejected Israels claims that Hamas has built a command center under the hospital.
Emily Hand, 8, was killed during Hamas' attack in Be'eri on Saturday.
Courtesy Tom Hand
The tightly-knit kibbutz that transformed into a site of a horrific massacre
According to the IDF statement, military equipment such as Kalashnikov rifles and RPGs were discovered in the building where Yehudit was situated.
Israel is facing immense global pressure to substantiate its assertions regarding Hamas's infiltration of the hospital. This is crucial in order to legitimize certain military actions, which would otherwise potentially breach international humanitarian law. Situated only a few kilometers away from the Gaza Strip, Kibbutz Beeri, with its progressive community, is frequently subjected to rocket attacks launched by Hamas from the enclave. Fortunately, these attacks are usually thwarted by Israeli defenses.
However, on October 7, the tranquility of the kibbutz was shattered when Hamas militants infiltrated the compound. In a brutal act of violence, they mercilessly killed over 120 residents, including innocent children, and also took several individuals hostage. The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum, formed by the families affected by Hamas abductions, revealed that Weiss, a 65-year-old grandmother, was among those tragically affected.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
