Israel recovers bodies of two hostages murdered by Hamas
The remains of Ilan Weiss and Idan Shtivi were returned to Israel today after a joint IDF-Shin Bet operation
The IDF and Shin Bet have recovered the remains of two hostages murdered by Hamas, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing that “we will not rest and we will not be silent until we return all our hostages home, both the living and the fallen.”
One of the bodies which has been found is that of Ilan Weiss, who lived in Kibbutz Be’eri and was part of its emergency team. His wife Shiri and daughter Noga were taken hostage by Hamas, but were released as part of the November 2023 temporary ceasefire deal. In January 2024 the Kibbutz announced that Weiss had been killed on 7 October and his body taken to Gaza.
After undergoing identification at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, the identity of the second body was later confirmed as Nova festival photographer, 28 year old Idan Shtivi, murdered by Hamas during the October 7 attacks.
Idan had a deep connection with dogs and other animals, and was about to begin his second year studying sustainability and government at Reichman University.
On October 7th, Idan arrived early in the morning at the Nova Festival to photograph his friends who were performing and leading workshops, but never made it inside. When the attack began, Idan helped a young man and woman he had just met escape from the site—a selfless act that ultimately led to his abduction. Idan is survived by his parents Eli and Dalit, his siblings Omri, Hila, and Ilin, and his partner Stav.
“Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to the dear families and share in their deep sorrow,” Netanyahu said, describing Shtivi as “a man of great courage and heart.”
He added: “The campaign to bring back the hostages continues without pause. We will not rest and we will not be silent until we return all our hostages home, both the living and the fallen.”
Defence Minister Israel Katz described how “in a heroic operation led by the IDF together with the Shin Bet, the body of Ilan Weiss, of blessed memory, a resident of Kibbutz Be’eri who was murdered and abducted by Hamas terrorists on 7 October, was brought back to Israel.
“Ilan, of blessed memory, was the deputy head of the Be’eri community emergency team, who courageously led the defensive battle in the kibbutz and prevented an even greater disaster, alongside other heroes. On behalf of the entire defence establishment, I extend my deepest condolences to his family.
“I wish to express profound appreciation for our heroic fighters who risk their lives day and night to bring back all the hostages—both the living and the fallen. We will not rest nor be silent until all are returned home—this is the central goal of the approaching manoeuvre. May his memory be blessed.”
In a separate statement, Defense Minister Israel Katz sent his “deepest condolences” to Shtivi’s family, and praised his bravery, writing:
“On the morning of 7 October, Idan, of blessed memory, acted with supreme heroism and saved revellers he did not previously know by helping them escape the inferno. I personally know his father, Eli, who accompanied me during my tenure as Foreign Minister in numerous meetings with world leaders and worked with unwavering dedication and courage to secure the return of the hostages. My heart goes out to him and his family.
“I wish to express deep appreciation for our heroic fighters who continue their tireless efforts to bring back all the hostages—and I emphasise: the State of Israel is committed to bringing all the hostages home, both the living and the fallen. May Idan’s memory be blessed.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said: “Ilan is brought home after 692 days”, describing him as “a family man and a devoted father to his daughters…Ilan was known for his versatility, sense of humour, diligence, reliability, responsibility, and willingness to help others.
“The Hostages and Missing Families Forum bows its head in sorrow and shares in the profound grief of the Weiss family. There are no words to express the depth of this pain. The hostages have no time. We must bring them all home, Now!”
Speaking in memory of Idan Shtivi, the Forum said: “Our hearts are with the Shtivi family today. Alongside the grief and pain, his return provides some sense of closure for the family and comfort after 694 agonizing days of waiting for his return.
“We wish to express our deepest gratitude to the IDF and security forces who have worked tirelessly with dedication and courage to make Idan’s return possible. We also thank the various professionals who participated in the identification process. The complex identification process that took several days serves as a harsh and painful reminder of the real danger that the remains of those lost may vanish beneath the ruins of Gaza.
“Bringing home the hostages is the only path to national healing and recovery. The people of Israel want to see all hostages returned home: some for rescue and rehabilitation, others for proper burial, through a comprehensive agreement.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said: “692 days after he was brutally kidnapped with his wife Shiri and their daughter Noga, Ilan’s body was recovered in a joint IDF and Shin Bet operation. A moment of deep sorrow, but also of closure.
“Ilan showed courage and noble spirit when he fought the terrorists on that dark day. In his death, he gave life. And ever since, his family has shown extraordinary strength in their struggle for his return.
“The horrors committed by Hamas, murder, torture, abduction, are crimes against humanity. The world must show moral clarity, apply pressure, and act for the immediate release of all the hostages. We will not rest until every one of them is brought home, the living to the loving embrace of their families, and the fallen to be laid to rest in dignity. Every last one.”
Speaking after the identification of Idan Shtivi as the second hostage, Herzog said: “He was murdered while helping others fleeing the terrorist onslaught, and his body was held hostage in Gaza. In a joint IDF–Shin Bet operation, he has now been brought home for a dignified burial.
“I hope this will bring a measure of comfort to his beloved parents, Eli and Dalit, and to his siblings, who have shown remarkable strength in their determined struggle for his return. These moments of deep sorrow remind us of one truth: Hamas’ crimes are crimes against humanity. The world must act with moral clarity and press for the release of all the hostages. Every last one.”
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