The Israeli army made a heartbreaking announcement on Friday, revealing that the bodies of three hostages taken by Hamas militants to the Gaza Strip last year had been found. Hanan Yablonka, Michel Nisenbaum, and Orion Hernandez Radoux were discovered after a joint military-intelligence operation in Jabalia, northern Gaza.
Army spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari vowed to continue fighting for the release of remaining hostages. The bodies of Yablonka and Hernandez Radoux were found at a music festival, while Nisenbaum was killed while on his way to his granddaughter. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed sadness over Hernandez Radoux’s death, emphasizing France’s commitment to freeing all hostages.
The Family Forum urged the government to accelerate negotiations for the return of other hostages. Talks for a ceasefire and hostage agreement mediated by Qatar and Egypt have stalled, with differing demands from both sides. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made the hostages’ return a top priority, with around 130 still in captivity.
Israel’s retaliatory actions in Gaza following the hostages’ abduction resulted in significant casualties and destruction, underscoring the ongoing conflict in the region.