Bodies of husband and wife taken into Gaza by Hamas recovered after special operation by Israeli forces

The bodies of a couple taken into Gaza by Hamas during the 7 October attacks have been recovered by Israeli forces, Benjamin Netanyahu has announced.

The Israeli prime minister said the bodies of husband and wife Gad Haggai, 72, and Judi Weinstein Haggai, 70, were recovered during a special operation by the Israeli military and the country’s security agency, Shin Bet.

Mr Netanyahu said they were killed on 7 October, 2023, and their bodies taken into Gaza by Hamas.

In a statement, he said: “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.

“We will not rest or be silent until we return all of our abductees home – the living and the dead alike.”

The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum has been campaigning for the safe return of all Israeli citizens held hostage by Hamas.

The hostage families said in a statement: “The return of Judi and Gad is painful and heartbreaking, yet it also brings healing to our uncertainty.

“Their return reminds us all that it is the state’s duty to bring everyone home, so that we, the families, together with all the people of Israel, can begin the process of healing and recovery.

“Decision-makers must do everything necessary to reach an agreement that will return all 56 remaining hostages – the living for rehabilitation and the deceased for burial. There is no need to wait another 608 agonising days for this.

“The mission can be completed as early as tomorrow morning. This is what the majority of the Israeli people want.”