Israeli forces successfully retrieved the bodies of five individuals who were killed during Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7. The bodies of Maya Goren, soldiers Tomer Ahimas and Kiril Brodski, along with Ravid Aryeh Katz and Oren Goldin, were returned to Israel after a daring rescue operation conducted by the military.
The victims had been previously declared dead, with the military confirming that they were killed by Palestinian militants on the day of the attack. The soldiers were said to have died in combat while fighting the militants, and their bodies were taken to Gaza after their deaths.
The attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, and the seizure of 251 hostages, with 111 still in Gaza. The recovery of the bodies took place in Khan Younis after the military launched a new assault in the area.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum emphasized the importance of returning all victims for a proper burial and called for a ceasefire deal to aid in the release of remaining captives. The Israeli military remains committed to fighting Hamas until its defeat.