Israel Defense Forces recover bodies of hostages during raids on Gaza Strip, military says
IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said Friday the Israeli army recovered the bodies of several Israelis who have been missing since the Oct. 7 surprise attack by Hamas and notified their families, Haaretz reported.
The Israeli army conducted raids in northern Gaza intended to "purge the area of terrorists and enemy munitions" and search for hostages, Hagari said. Soldiers "destroyed terrorist infrastructure and squads, including a Hamas unit that fired anti-tank missiles toward Israel," he added.
Hagari said IDF found items that might lead to more missing Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, the report said.
Reports have indicated as many as 150 Israelis were taken captive by Hamas in last week's surprise attack. Israeli officials are in contact with the families of those who are missing as the government negotiates for the release of hostages.
On Friday, Israel's coordinator for hostages and missing persons, Brig. Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch, established a team of about 200 reserve officers to establish a communication line with the families, Haaretz reported.
"We've recruited high-ranking, experienced officers for this sensitive and important task, so we could aid families through the present uncertainty," Hirsch said, promising to make in-person visits to each family.
Posted by Chris Pandolfo
