The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Friday the recovery of a hostage's remains from Gaza during ongoing military operations, as tensions escalate ahead of a potential large-scale assault on Gaza City. The body of Ilan Weiss, a 55-year-old resident of Be'eri village near the Gaza border, was identified nearly nine months after Hamas' October 7 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and abducted 251 others.
Hostage Recovery Operation Details
Weiss' wife and daughter were among those released during a November 2023 ceasefire deal. Forensic confirmation of his death came six months after the attack, with special forces conducting the retrieval operation. The IDF also reported recovering evidence related to another deceased hostage whose identity remains undisclosed.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Israeli authorities revealed plans to reduce humanitarian aid deliveries through both air and land routes, despite UN warnings of famine in northern Gaza. This follows the suspension of daily combat pauses previously allowing aid distribution.
Military Timeline Emerges
State-owned Kan TV reported Israel aims to establish control over Gaza City before Rosh Hashanah (September 23), with evacuation orders expected for residents within 10 days. Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades warned of catastrophic consequences, vowing to maintain prisoner detention conditions matching those of their fighters.
With approximately 20 hostages believed alive among 50 still captive, the developments mark a critical phase in the 10-month conflict that has claimed over 38,000 Palestinian lives according to Gaza health officials.
