The body of another Israeli hostage has been recovered from the Gaza Strip and returned to Israel overnight Friday in a daring operation that lasted several hours. The victim, identified as 47-year-old Elad Katzir, was found underground in a compound in Khan Yunes, according to a military official.
The rescue mission, which involved comprehensive ground and air activity, was successful in retrieving Katzir’s body, but there are still 133 hostages being held by terrorist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Katzir’s mother, Hanna, who was also abducted with him on Oct. 7 from Kibbutz Nir Oz, was released on Nov. 24, 2023, as part of a temporary cease-fire. The Israel Security Agency (ISA) and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Katzir was “murdered in captivity,” likely in January this year.
His sister took to Facebook to accuse Hamas of her brother’s murder, while the ISA and IDF pointed towards Islamic Jihad as the likely perpetrators. The body was identified through an overnight identification procedure conducted by medical officials.
Katzir, a farmer and social activist, was known for his work with the “Hadar Foundation,” advocating for the release of two Israeli soldiers whose bodies are still held in Gaza.
The ISA and IDF are continuing their efforts to rescue the remaining hostages and expressed their deepest condolences to Katzir’s family. The operation was a joint effort between the two agencies and other national security bodies.
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing conflict in the region and the dangers faced by Israeli citizens. The recovery of Katzir’s body brings some closure to his family, but the search for the other hostages continues.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Fox News.
