Israeli defence minister announces return of six hostage bodies

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has written that six individuals, abducted by radicals on October 7, 2023, and who died in captivity with Hamas, have been revealed and returned to Israel.

This recovery was achieved through a daring and risky operation in the tunnels near Khan Younis city in southern Gaza, Caliber.Az reports, citing the minister’s message on X.

"The IDF and ISA conducted a complex operation, entering Hamas tunnels in Khan Younis to rescue the bodies of hostages Yagev Buchshtab, Alexander Dancyg, Avraham Munder, Yoram Metzger, Nadav Popplewell, and Haim Perry- of blessed memory. I share in the deep grief of their families and loved ones. This operation reflects the determination and courage of our troops. We will continue working to achieve the goals of this war - returning the hostages to Israel and dismantling Hamas," the message says.

Meanwhile, the death toll in Gaza has continued to soar, with more than 40,000 people killed and thousands more injured, since Israel launched its offensive. The assault followed Hamas' October 7 attacks, in which some 1,200 people were killed, marking a major escalation in a decadeslong conflict.