The IDF and Shin Bet have recovered and identified the body of hostage Ilan Weiss, and what appears to be the remains of an additional hostage whose name has not yet been released, in the Gaza Strip, the military confirmed on Friday.
"Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to the dear families and share in their deep sorrow," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated.
"The campaign to bring back the hostages continues without pause. We will not rest and we will not be silent until we return all our hostages home, both the living and the fallen."
The IDF stated that the identification process of the additional hostage is still ongoing, and the family has been notified.
"Ilan showed courage and noble spirit when he fought the terrorists on that dark day. In his death, he gave life. And ever since, his family has shown extraordinary strength in their struggle for his return," President Isaac Herzog wrote.
"I wish to express profound appreciation to our heroic fighters who risk their lives day and night to return all the hostages - the living and the fallen alike," Defense Minister Israel Katz said, adding that returning the hostages is the "central goal of the approaching maneuver."
Ilan Weiss
Weiss, 56, was a resident of Kibbutz Be'eri in the Gaza border area and served on the kibbutz's emergency standby squad. In January 2024, the kibbutz confirmed that he was killed during the October 7 massacre, with his body taken by Hamas back to the Gaza Strip.
Weiss's wife, Shiri, and daughter, Noga, were also taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, but were released in late November 2023 during a temporary ceasefire.
His other two daughters, Meytal and Maayan, were able to hide from Hamas during the massacre and were saved by Israeli soldiers.
The family dog, Ketem, was also killed by Hamas terrorists when Shiri and Noga were abducted.
This is a developing story.