Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel's leaders react to recovery of hostages' body from Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his deep sorrow upon receiving the tragic news. "On my behalf and on behalf of my wife, I want to convey our heartfelt condolences to the Al-Ziadneh family. We had hoped and worked tirelessly for the safe return of all four family members from Hamas captivity. While we were able to return Bilal and Aisha on November 23, we deeply regret that Yusef and Hamza were not brought home in the same way. I thank the IDF and Shin Bet forces for their steadfast efforts to recover our hostages. We will continue to work tirelessly to bring all of our hostages home—both the living and the deceased," Netanyahu said.

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz also expressed his condolences. "I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the Al-Ziadneh family following the recovery of Yusef and Hamza's bodies. These two were taken by Hamas terrorists on October 7 and, thanks to a brave and courageous operation, their bodies have now been returned," Katz said.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed the deep pain and tragedy faced by the Al-Ziadneh family. "Our hearts break for the Ziadneh family, who today received the devastating news that Yusef’s body was recovered from Hamas captivity in Gaza. The family remains in deep anguish as they wait for news of Hamza’s fate. They have endured 460 days of uncertainty, worry, and endless hope, during which time Yusef’s children, Aisha and Bilal, were returned in a separate hostage exchange. We cannot forget that Yusef was taken alive. The danger to our hostages remains immediate, and we must continue to do everything we can to bring back all of our 99 brothers and sisters—alive and deceased—with dignity," Herzog said.