Israel Recovers Two Hostage Bodies as Gaza City Offensive Begins

Israel’s military declared Gaza City a “dangerous combat zone” on Friday, launching the initial phase of a planned offensive that has drawn international condemnation, while recovering the bodies of two hostages from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The operation, involving Israeli forces and Shin Bet, retrieved the body of Ilan Weiss, 56, killed defending Kibbutz Be’eri, and partial remains of another unnamed hostage, now under forensic examination at the Abu Kabir Institute of Forensic Medicine.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the ongoing mission, stating, “We will not rest or be silent until we return all of our hostages home — both the living and the dead.” Of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas-led militants nearly 22 months ago, about 50 remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive. The recovery, while offering closure to families like Weiss’s—whose wife Shiri and daughter Noga were freed in November 2023—is a painful reminder for others, like Rubi Chen, whose son’s fate remains uncertain. Chen called it a “bittersweet moment,” noting, “At least they have closure… there are still 49 families waiting.”

The offensive, approved by Israel’s security cabinet earlier this month, suspends daily 10 AM to 8 PM humanitarian pauses, halting aid deliveries to Gaza City, where hundreds of thousands of displaced people face famine. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported five starvation-related deaths in the past 24 hours, raising the total to 322, including 121 children. The UN’s humanitarian agency expressed “deep concern,” warning of a “horrific impact” on malnourished and displaced residents, though UN and NGO teams pledged to remain on the ground.

Also Read: Netanyahu: Israel May Exit Lebanon if Hezbollah Disarms

The Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City, sheltering 440 people, including women, children, and elderly, will stay operational despite the escalating conflict. Spokesman Farid Jubran, currently outside Gaza, said the decision to remain was unanimous, with five clergy assisting, though the church lacks specific defenses beyond huddling near walls during attacks.

International backlash has intensified, with foreign ministers from Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain condemning the offensive, warning it endangers hostages and risks “intolerable” civilian deaths. Israel’s military, led by spokesperson Avichay Adraee, insists the operation targets Hamas’s remaining strongholds, aiming to dismantle the group “militarily and politically” while prioritizing hostage recovery. Adraee noted Hamas has shifted to guerrilla tactics, with potential thousands of fighters in tunnels, predicting a prolonged conflict.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged negotiations for a comprehensive deal, stating, “Time is running out for the hostages and the people of Israel.” Israel’s evacuation efforts include a southern corridor, leaflets, and social media warnings, but many residents, exhausted by famine and repeated displacement, are reluctant to move.

Also Read: Israel Warns Gaza City Could Face Destruction Without Hamas’ Surrender