Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Israeli troops managed to recover the bodies of six hostages taken in a Hamas attack on Oct. 7 based on intelligence gathered in recent weeks, although this was the third time Israeli forces had operated in the area.
“Last night, IDF troops from the 98th Division, under the direct direction of the Shin Bet, the Intelligence Division, and the hostage headquarters, raided an underground tunnel in Khan Yunis, where they found the bodies of six hostages and brought them home,” the Israeli military spokesman said.
The hostages will be buried on Wednesday (21/8) and Thursday (22/8) after forensic autopsies are carried out which could provide further information about the cause of death.
Hagari confirmed on Tuesday (20/8) that the hostages were killed while Israeli forces were operating in Khan Younis, but he said an investigation into the exact cause of death was still ongoing.
The discovery comes as the United States, Egypt and Qatar are trying to broker a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that would release several hostages held by the militant group.
Hamas is believed to still be holding about 110 hostages captured in the Oct. 7 raid. Israeli authorities estimate about a third of them have been killed. (lt/ka)
