IDF SUCCESSFULLY RECOVERS BODY OF ISRAELI HOSTAGE FROM GAZA STRIP AND DETAILS OF HOSTAGE DEATHS IN GAZA - Part 1

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"Today, it has been cleared for publication that during an ISA operation supported by the IDF, the body of Israeli hostage Itai Svirsky was successfully recovered from the Gaza Strip and returned to Israel for burial," said IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.

Statement from the IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari:

"Tonight, I am updating that in a joint operation by the ISA and the IDF in the Gaza Strip, the body of the hostage Itai Svirsky, may his memory be a blessing, was recovered and brought back to Israel. Itai was abducted from his parents’ home in Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7. His parents were murdered by Hamas terrorists, and he was kidnapped alive. Itai was held for approximately four months along with Yossi Sharabi, may his memory be a blessing, and Noa Argamani. In January, it was cleared for publication that both Itai and Yossi were murdered in captivity.

The details of the operation in which Itai’s body was recovered cannot be disclosed to avoid jeopardizing ongoing operational efforts by the IDF and ISA. The family has been informed, and we extend our condolences and embrace them in their grief.

"Today, we presented the families of additional hostages with the findings of a complex investigation regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Yagev Buchshtab, Alexander Dancyg, Avraham Munder, Yoram Metzger, Nadav Popplewell, and Haim Perry, may their memory be a blessing. The investigation was conducted following an exhaustive process involving all available intelligence and forensic examinations.

Avraham, Haim, Yoram, and Alex—founders of Kibbutz Nir Oz and among the pillars of Israeli society—were abducted from their homes by Hamas terrorists. Along with them, 72 additional members of Kibbutz Nir Oz were taken hostage, and 38 were murdered—one-third of the kibbutz’s residents. Nadav and Yagev were abducted from their homes in Kibbutz Nirim alongside three other residents. In Hamas’ attack on Kibbutz Nirim, nine members of the kibbutz were killed.

On the morning of October 7, Yagev, Alex, Avraham, Yoram, Nadav, and Haim were taken by Hamas terrorists and held for months in an underground tunnel in Khan Yunis. Previously, we exposed this compound, which was designed as a detention facility with multiple sections, including a gathering room, a kitchenette, toilets, and living quarters."

"In December, the IDF entered the Khan Yunis area. At that time, it is believed that the six hostages were transferred to another tunnel approximately 4 kilometers away in the Hamad neighborhood, also known as the Qatari neighborhood. Footage shows this was a passage tunnel not intended for prolonged stay—a 100-meter-long, narrow, and low tunnel blocked at one end by sandbags and at the other by an iron door. The tunnel’s height and width made it difficult for a person to stand or lie down, with no conditions suitable for human habitation.

On February 14, the IDF struck an underground compound in the Qatari neighborhood in Khan Yunis. The attack targeted Hamas terrorists hiding in the area. At the time of the strike, the IDF had no intelligence indicating the presence of hostages in the vicinity, and the operation was conducted in accordance with established protocols. It is now understood that the strike occurred 120 to 200 meters from where the hostages were being held.

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