IDF Confirms Recovery of Israeli Hostage Body in Gaza

Tue Sep 23 2025 15:18:01 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Israeli Defense Forces reported the recovery of Ilan Weiss, an Israeli hostage, who was killed during a Hamas attack in October 2023. This tragic event highlights ongoing hostilities and the complexities surrounding hostage situations in the region.

Ilan Weiss, a 56-year-old Israeli hostage, has been confirmed dead by the IDF, with his body recovered from Gaza. Weiss was killed defending Kibbutz Beeri during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. His case draws attention to the ongoing violence and hostage crises as Israel's military operations continue amidst claims of significant civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns.

The body of Israeli hostage Ilan Weiss has been recovered in an operation in the Gaza Strip, Israel's military has announced.

Weiss, 56, was killed during Hamas's attack in southern Israel on 7 October 2023.

The remains of a second hostage, whose identity has not been released yet, were also recovered, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says.

Israel launched a massive offensive in Gaza following the attack in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken back to the territory as hostages.

After the latest announcement, 48 hostages remain in Gaza - 20 of whom Israel believes are still alive.

Ilan Weiss was killed while defending Kibbutz Beeri on the day of the attack. His body was taken to Gaza.

Weiss's wife, Shiri, and daughter, Noga, were taken hostage by Hamas on the same day. They were released during a temporary ceasefire in November 2023.

Ilan showed courage and noble spirit when he fought the terrorists on that dark day, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said, praising Weiss's family's extraordinary strength in their struggle for his return.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been facing strong domestic pressure to agree on a deal that would enable the return of all hostages still in captivity.

Massive protests have occurred demanding an end to the war, as Israel continues its plans to reclaim Gaza City. Netanyahu maintains that defeating Hamas is crucial for the hostages' release.

The military has announced the commencement of the initial stages of its advance into Gaza City, with air strikes ongoing and advice issued for residents to move south.

Since the offensive began on 14 August, approximately 20,000 people have relocated from Gaza City, and humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate. The ongoing conflict has resulted in substantial casualties, with growing calls for resolutions to the hostage crisis amidst severe humanitarian concerns.