The IDF and Shin Bet have recovered the bodies of Yosef Al-Ziadna, 53, and his son Hamza from an underground tunnel complex in Gaza, officials confirmed Wednesday. Evidence indicates both were alive when taken hostage on October 7.
Yosef, a father of 19 from Rahat who worked at Kibbutz Holit, was kidnapped along with three of his children - Hamza, Bilal, and Aisha.
While Bilal and Aisha were released during the November 30 hostage deal, Yosef and Hamza remained in captivity. Released hostages had previously testified to Israeli authorities that both men were alive in Hamas custody.
"The recovery was an act of heroism," Defense Minister Yisrael Gallant said. "Even now, we continue to do everything to fulfill our highest moral obligation - returning all hostages, both the living and those no longer among the living, to Israeli soil."
Speaking on Galei Tzahal (Army Radio), the former mayor of Rahat described the moment the family received the news: "IDF officers started assembling the family members, telling them they had information to share." He added bitterly that "there had been many opportunities to secure their return," suggesting missed chances to bring the Al-Ziadna men home alive.
The bodies were transferred to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute for identification. IDF forces continue operating in the area, searching for additional evidence that might help recover more of Hamza's remains.
The Forum of Hope Hostage Families released a statement: "We share in the grief of Yosef and Hamza Al-Ziadna's family, who will now bring their loved ones to burial after they were kidnapped on Simchat Torah. We thank the heroic IDF soldiers who work day and night to bring back our loved ones, many of whom have paid with their lives for this mission."
The Al-Ziadnas were among several Palestinian-Israeli citizens taken during the Hamas assault, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attack that claimed victims regardless of their background.
The recovery of the fathers' remains adds another layer of tragedy to the hostage crisis that has gripped Israel for the past sixteen months.
The Al-Ziadna family now faces the heartbreaking task of mourning their lost family members while continuing to wait for news about Aisha and Bilal.
The discovery of the men's bodies during today's (Wednesday's) operation involving both IDF and Shin Bet forces brings the number of hostages still held in Gaza to 98.
Israeli officials have not released details about the circumstances of their deaths.
UPDATE:
New details have emerged about the operation that recovered Yosef Al-Ziadna's remains from a tunnel complex in Rafah. According to military sources, while IDF forces had previously operated in the area, new intelligence led them to return specifically to search for the hostages' bodies.
During the operation, forces discovered not only Yosef's remains but also the bodies of two to three terrorists believed to have been holding the Al-Ziadnas captive. The tunnel complex also yielded additional intelligence material.
While the IDF has confirmed Yosef's death did not occur recently, they have not yet determined the exact cause. Military operations continue in the area as forces search for additional evidence.
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