In a tense move on Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced they recovered the body of Ilan Weiss, 55, an Israeli hostage who went missing during the October 7 attack near the Gaza border. 💔
Weiss, from the village of Be'eri, was confirmed by Israel's National Center for Forensic Medicine to have been killed on the day of the attack. His wife and daughter were kidnapped with him but were released alive after 50 days under a ceasefire-hostage deal.
The recovery mission was led by the IDF's Southern Command and involved the Intelligence Directorate, Shin Bet, the Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters, and special forces. Officials said they also retrieved remains linked to another hostage, whose identity is yet to be cleared for publication.
Meanwhile, the offensive in Gaza City is entering a critical phase. Israel paused daily ceasefires that allowed humanitarian aid into the region and plans to halt airdrops and reduce ground deliveries in the coming days. Kan TV News reports that the IDF aims to take full control of the city before the Jewish New Year on September 23.
Residents of Gaza City may soon receive evacuation notices, according to senior security sources—signaling an even more intense ground operation ahead.
On the other side, the Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing, warned that any attempt to occupy Gaza City would be 'disastrous' for Israel's leadership. Spokesperson Abu Obeida vowed to hold Israeli prisoners 'under the same conditions' as their fighters and threatened to reveal details if hostages die.
With nearly 50 hostages still believed to be in Gaza—and around 20 thought to be alive—the situation remains both urgent and fraught with uncertainty. For now, the region braces for what could be one of the most intense chapters of this conflict. 🌍
Reference(s):
Israel recovers hostages' remains as Gaza offensive continues
cgtn.com
