Israel recovers remains of three more hostages held by Hamas following Oct. 7 attacks

Israel has recently recovered the bodies of three hostages held by Hamas following the terror group’s attack on Israel in October 2023. The remains of the three hostages, identified as Ofra Keidar, Yonatan Samerano, and Shay Levinson, were found during a special operation conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters expressed their condolences to the families of Keidar, Samerano, and Levinson, stating that while the return of the hostages brings some comfort, the families have endured 625 days of agony, uncertainty, and doubt. The organization emphasized that the return of all hostages is crucial for national healing and recovery.

The IDF confirmed that the bodies of the three hostages were recovered from Gaza during a special operation carried out in collaboration with the Israel Security Agency (ISA). The operation was successful due to precise intelligence received from the ISA, the Hostage Task Force, and the IDF Intelligence Directorate. The IDF extended their condolences to the families and pledged to continue their efforts to bring home all the hostages.

Ofra Keidar, a resident of Kibbutz Be’eri, was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists while on her morning walk in the fields she loved. She was a dedicated worker known for her exceptional physical strength and love for animals and gardening. Keidar, who was 71 at the time of her death, was a mother of three and the wife of Shmuel Keidar, who was also killed by Hamas terrorists in their home.

Yonatan Samerano, a 21-year-old DJ and entrepreneur, was abducted and murdered by Hamas terrorists after fleeing a music festival. He was known for his passion for music, event production, and travel. Shay Levinson, a 19-year-old tank commander in the IDF, engaged and fought terrorists before being abducted and killed by Hamas. Levinson was described as a quiet and exceptional young man, driven to excel in sports and military service.

The recovery of the bodies of Keidar, Samerano, and Levinson brings closure to their families and the nation as a whole. The sacrifices made by these individuals in the service of their country will never be forgotten. The IDF’s commitment to bringing all hostages home demonstrates their unwavering dedication to the safety and security of Israeli citizens.