Bodies of two Israeli hostages recovered in Gaza
The bodies of Gadi Hagai and his wife, Judy Weinstein Hagai were returned to Israel last night in a military operation, 607 days after they were kidnapped and murdered by Hamas terrorists, Kibbutz Nir Oz announced on Thursday morning.
Gadi Haggai, 73, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen who was confirmed dead on Dec. 22, 2023, having been killed by Hamas terrorists. Source: YouTube/CBS News.
“We are grateful to see them brought home for a proper burial in Israel. We thank the IDF and all who worked tirelessly for over a year and a half to bring them back. Yet our hearts remain incomplete until all 12 hostages from Nir Oz — and all 56 hostages still held — return home,” Kibbutz Nir Oz said.
According to the Israel Defence Forces, the bodies were recovered in Khan Yunis. The army added that they were killed during the October 7 attacks and the bodies held by the Al Mujahideen Battalions, the same terror group that kidnapped the Bibas family.
Gadi Hagai was 72 at the time of his murder. The kibbutz described him as “A sharp man, a gifted wind instrument player since the age of three, connected to the land, a chef and a follower of a healthy vegan diet and sports.”
His wife Judy, 70, was an English teacher who specialized in children with special needs and attention and concentration problems. The kibbutz said she treated children with anxiety due to the stresses of life in the Gaza border community. The kibbutz remembered her as a “Poet, entrepreneur, loves to create and is dedicated to working for peace and brotherhood.”
They are survived by four children and seven grandchildren.
Israel’sPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “In a special ISA and IDF operation in the Gaza Strip, the bodies of two of our hostages, which had been held by the murderous Hamas terrorist organization, have been returned to Israel:
Judy and Gadi were murdered on October 7, and were held hostage in the Gaza Strip.
Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I convey our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. Our hearts grieve over this terrible loss. May their memories be blessed.
I would like to thank, and express appreciation to, the fighters and commanders for this determined and successful operation.
We will not rest, nor will we be silent, until we return home all of our hostages – the living and the deceased.”
At least 1,180 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 56 remaining hostages, 33 are believed to be dead.
