Israeli Military Operation in Gaza Strip
The Israeli military announced on Friday that its forces successfully retrieved the bodies of three hostages in an overnight operation in the northern Gaza Strip’s Jabalia.
Hostages Rescued
The remains of Israeli hostage Chanan Yablonka, Brazilian-Israeli Michel Nisenbaum, and French-Mexican Orion Hernandez Radoux were rescued, and their families were notified after forensic identification.
Background of the Abduction
Yablonka and Hernandez Radoux were abducted from a music festival during an attack by Palestinian militants that triggered the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Nisenbaum, who was on his way to pick up his granddaughter, was also taken during the same incident.
Families’ Reactions
Avivit Yablonka expressed her fears earlier, anticipating bad news after the bodies of other hostages were returned the previous week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog offered their condolences to the grieving families.
Current Situation
Out of the 252 people taken hostage, 121 remain in Gaza, with 37 confirmed dead. The retaliatory offensive by Israel against Hamas has resulted in significant casualties in Gaza, including civilians.
Ongoing Conflict
Since early May, the Israeli military has been engaged in renewed street battles in northern and central Gaza. The recent fighting in Jabalia was described as one of the fiercest encounters in the seven-month-long conflict.