Israel recovers bodies of 3 hostages killed by Hamas

The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday announced the recovery of the bodies of three Israeli hostages who were killed and taken to Gaza by Hamas militants during the 7 October 2023 attack.

The bodies were identified as Ofra Keidar, 71; Yonatan Samrano, 22; and Sgt. Shay Levinson, 19. The military said the recovery operation was carried out by the IDF’s Gaza Division in coordination with Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet.

Keidar was killed alongside her husband, Sami, during the October assault, and her body was taken into Gaza. Her death was confirmed in December.

Samrano had escaped the Nova Music Festival but was later killed in the Be’eri area. His body was also taken into Gaza, with his death confirmed in December.

Levinson, a tank commander, was killed on 7 October during the Hamas attack. His death was confirmed in January 2024.

With the recovery of Keidar’s body, Inbar Haiman is now believed to be the only woman whose body remains in Hamas captivity. Her death was confirmed in December.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended condolences to the families and thanked security forces for the operation.

“Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to the dear families and share in their profound sorrow,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “I thank our commanders and soldiers for a successful operation, for their determination, and their courage.”