On Sunday, the Israeli military announced it had recovered the bodies of three hostages from Gaza. Simultaneously, an Israeli airstrike in the central Gaza Strip killed at least four Palestinians and injured 22 others as they waited for humanitarian aid, according to reports from a local hospital.
The hostages were identified as Yonatan Samerano, 21, Ofra Keidar, 70, and Shay Levinson, 19—all of whom were killed during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, incursion into Israel, which triggered the ongoing conflict. According to the military, Hamas is still holding 50 hostages, with fewer than half believed to be alive.
The military provided no further details about the recovery of the bodies or whether it was connected to the airstrike.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “The mission to bring the hostages home continues alongside our campaign against Iran.”
Kobi Samerano shared on Facebook that his son’s remains were returned on what would have been Yonatan’s 23rd birthday.
Conflict Escalates Across Multiple Fronts
The October 7 Hamas-led attack resulted in around 1,200 deaths, mainly civilians, and the abduction of 251 people. More than half of the hostages have since been released through ceasefire deals or other negotiations. Eight have been rescued alive, and Israeli forces have found the remains of several others.
Israel’s counteroffensive has claimed the lives of more than 55,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which reports that women and children make up over half the casualties. The Ministry does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.
Sunday’s airstrike targeted the densely populated Nuseirat refugee camp. Al-Awda Hospital reported that four bodies were brought in and 22 others wounded, all of whom were waiting for aid.
Eyewitnesses and health officials say Israeli forces have repeatedly fired on civilians trying to access food, killing hundreds in recent weeks. The Israeli military claims it only fires warning shots at individuals deemed suspicious.
Humanitarian Aid and Diplomatic Efforts
After a six-week pause, World Central Kitchen—a charity founded by celebrity chef José Andrés—has resumed hot meal distribution in Gaza, following Israel’s loosening of its blockade due to growing famine concerns.
The families of those still held hostage continue to press for a negotiated deal. The Hostages Families Forum emphasized on Sunday that bringing the remaining 50 hostages home is crucial, especially in light of Israel’s recent military gains against Iran.
Hamas insists it will only release the hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza. Netanyahu has dismissed these demands, asserting that Israel will pursue its war objectives until all hostages are freed, Hamas is dismantled, and Israel retains long-term control of Gaza. He has also proposed facilitating what he calls “voluntary emigration” of Gaza’s population—a move Palestinians and many others regard as forced displacement.
While Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. continue to mediate for a new truce and hostage exchange following Israel’s termination of the previous ceasefire in March, little headway has been made amid an intensifying Israeli offensive.
-Deeprows News
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