Yair Yaakov and one other hostage returned from Gaza; 53 nonetheless in Hamas captivity

[ad_1] The IDF and Shin Wager home intelligence company recovered the our bodies of two hostages from the Gaza Strip, together with Yair Yaakov, a 59-year-old father of three who was abducted and killed during the October 7 Hamas-led attack , authorities introduced on Wednesday. The second hostage has not but been publicly recognized, pending notification of subsequent of kin. At present, there are 53 hostages left in Gaza. The operation was carried out on Wednesday within the Khan Younis space of southern Gaza by the thirty sixth Division underneath Southern Command, following exact intelligence offered by the Hostage Process Power, Army Intelligence Directorate and the Shin Wager.

The final recording of Yair Yaakov earlier than his abduction by terrorists through the October 7 assault

After being recovered from the Gaza Strip, the our bodies have been taken to the Nationwide Middle of Forensic Medication in Tel Aviv for identification in coordination with the Israel Police. The IDF’s Hostage and Lacking Individuals Unit then knowledgeable the victims’ households and the Nir Oz group.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a press release praising the operation and lengthening his condolences. “In an operational exercise by the IDF and Shin Wager within the Gaza Strip, the our bodies of two of our hostages—Yair Yaakov and one other, whose title has not but been cleared for publication—have been returned to Israel,” he stated. “Yair Yaakov was murdered and kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz by Palestinian Islamic Jihad on October 7.”

“Together with all of the residents of Israel, my spouse and I ship our heartfelt condolences to the households who've misplaced their family members,” Netanyahu added. “I thank the fighters and commanders for one more profitable mission within the sacred job of bringing our hostages house. We won't relaxation and we won't keep silent till we deliver all of them again—each the residing and the fallen.”

Yaakov's sons, Yagil and Or—each of whom have been held hostage in Gaza and later launched within the first hostage deal—introduced the restoration of their father’s stays.

“Dad, I really like you. I don’t even know methods to react but. It’s heartbreaking to say this, however I’m already ready in your funeral,” Yagil wrote on Instagram. “I really like you. I knew this present day would come. Thanks to the IDF and Shin Wager for bringing him again. I hope the remainder will come house by a deal that doesn’t endanger troopers.” Or later wrote on social media, "Dad, you are lastly right here."

Yaakov, 59, a mechanic at Kibbutz Alumim, was killed by gunfire whereas making an attempt to barricade the secure room door in his house in Nir Oz through the Hamas onslaught. His physique was kidnapped to Gaza, alongside together with his companion Merav Tal and their two sons. The three have been returned alive in a hostage deal in November 2023. His daughter, Shir, was not house on the time of the assault.

Kibbutz Nir Oz confirmed Yaakov’s death shortly after the attack . Shortly after the announcement, Or posted an emotional tribute: “Dad, I've no phrases… Watch over me in heaven. I really like you and can always remember you.” Yagil added: “Dad, you have been the whole lot to me. You gave me hope that you simply have been nonetheless alive. I’ve missed you each day—our arguments, our laughter, our meals. You don't have any thought how a lot.” Yaakov is the most recent hostage whose stays have been recovered by Israeli forces throughout operations in Gaza. In latest weeks, the IDF has retrieved the our bodies of three different hostages from Nir Oz: Gad Haggai and Judi Weinstein-Haggai , a pair kidnapped and murdered on October 7, and Nattapong Pinta , who was killed in captivity. Their our bodies have been recovered from Khan Younis and Rafah. There are presently 54 hostages nonetheless held in Gaza, with 20 confirmed to be alive.

In a press release, the Hostages and Lacking Households Discussion board stated: “Yaya is house after 614 days 💔. Yair was all the time prepared to assist others, liked life, music and a chilly beer within the solar. Time is operating out. We should deliver everybody house—now.”