Israel recovers bodies of six hostages from Gaza

Israeli protesters gathered near a Tel Aviv hotel to demand a truce deal to free hostages in Gaza retrieved the bodies of six hostages, leaving 109 more believed to be held captive. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Egypt to bridge differences between Israel and Hamas to secure a deal.

Zahiro Shahar Mor, nephew of a deceased hostage, criticized Israeli authorities for failing to sign a ceasefire and bring the hostages back alive. The Hostages Families Forum urged the government to negotiate the return of the remaining hostages urgently.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed the recovery of the six bodies and vowed to continue efforts to bring back the remaining hostages and dismantle Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to work tirelessly to return all hostages, both alive and deceased.

Most hostages were seized by Hamas gunmen in October, resulting in a military operation by Israel. Hamas seeks the release of Palestinians in Israeli prisons in exchange for the hostages. The conflict has led to casualties and displacement in Gaza.

(Source: Reuters)