The body of Bedouin Israeli hostage Yousef Al-Ziyadne was found today in Gaza, along with two terrorists who had been guarding him. Yousef and three of his children were abducted from Kibbutz Holit on October 7, 2023. Ziyadne children Aisha and Bilal were also abducted but were released in November 2023 as part of the first ceasefire agreement.
There have been reports circulating that Yousef’s son Hamza was also found dead, but that is not 100% confirmed, though there were findings found from troops that connected to Hamza. The death did not appear to be recent.
Yousef’s brother Ali said in a statement: “Our hearts ache. We wanted them to return to the bosom of the family alive – but unfortunately, [he] returned dead,” He also called this “a difficult and shocking disaster.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed “deep sorrow” at the news, adding on behalf of himself and his wife:
“We hoped and worked for the safe return of the four members of the family held hostage by Hamas. We returned the children Bilal and Aisha in November 2023 and wanted to bring back Youssef and Hamza as well. I send heartfelt condolences to the family. I thank the IDF and ISA for their determined action for the return of our hostages. We will continue to make every effort to return all of our hostages, the living and the deceased.”
President Isaac Herzog also expressed his grief with the Ziyadne family:
“Our hearts ache over the immense tragedy of the Ziyadne family, who received the devastating news that Israeli security forces had recovered the body of Youssef from Hamas captivity in Gaza…Time is running out. Youssef was abducted alive! Our hostages are in immediate life-threatening danger. We must continue to do everything possible to urgently return 99 of our brothers and sisters—the living to their families and the fallen and murdered to be laid to rest in dignity.”
The Israel Daily News sends our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and communities affected by this news.
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