Israel Defense Forces confirmed on Thursday that the bodies of an American-Israeli couple murdered by Hamas during the terrorist organization’s attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, were recovered as part of a special military operation in Gaza.
In a Thursday post on X, formerly Twitter, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced, “In a special operation by the Shin Bet and the IDF in the Gaza Strip, the bodies of two of our abductees who were being held by the murderous terrorist organization Hamas were returned to Israel: Judy Weinstein-Hagi and Gadi Hagi from Kibbutz Nir Oz, may their memory be blessed.”
The Israeli prime minister explained that the American-Israeli couple had been murdered by the Hamas terrorist organization in October of 2023 and that their bodies had been abducted by the terrorists and held hostage in the Gaza Strip prior to this week’s special military operation.
“Judy and Gadi were murdered on October 7th and kidnapped to the Gaza Strip. Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. The heart grieves for the most terrible loss. May their memory be blessed,” Netanyahu added. “I would like to thank and honor the fighters and commanders for their determined and successful execution. We will not rest or be silent until we bring all our captives home – the living and the dead alike.”
READ MORE: Video/Pic: Last living American hostage released by Hamas
According to Fox News, the two American-Israeli citizens were killed while walking on the morning of October 7, 2023, in the Hamas terrorist attack that led to the death of roughly 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 individuals.
Israel Defense Forces shared a picture of Judi and Gad Haggai on social media, noting that the two American-Israeli citizens were “beloved parents, grandparents, and members of Kibbutz Nir Oz.”
“They were held hostage for 608 days by terrorists in Gaza. On October 7, 2023, while taking their daily morning walk around the kibbutz, they were murdered and abducted,” Israel Defense Forces stated. “Judi, a devoted special education English teacher and caregiver, and Gad, a kibbutz cook, were known for their love for their community.”
In Thursday’s posts, Israel Defense Forces pledged to continue operations until the remaining 56 Hamas hostages are returned.
