In a joint operation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) recovered the bodies of three hostages from Gaza: IDF soldier Shay Levinson and civilians Ofra Keidar and Yonatan Samerano.
These individuals were killed during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. The operation, conducted on Saturday, brought closure to families who had been waiting in uncertainty for over 600 days. The IDF and ISA confirmed the successful retrieval on Sunday in a joint statement.
Ofra And Yonatan Honored For Their Compassion, Creativity, Leadership, And Lasting Legacy
Ofra Keidar, 71, was from the Be’eri kibbutz community and was killed during the October 7 attack. Her body had been held in Gaza since then. Keidar was a mother of three and a grandmother of seven. A community leader and caregiver, she worked for 30 years on a dairy farm and later at a petting zoo.
Her love for animals and gardening was widely known. Her kibbutz praised her for her leadership and strength, emphasizing the deep loss her death represented for her family and the community.
Israel Recovers Bodies of Three Hostages Killed on October 7 in Joint IDF-ISA OperationYonatan Samerano, 21, from Tel Aviv, was killed at the Nova music festival and his body was taken by Hamas fighters. Remembered as a charismatic DJ and aspiring entrepreneur, Samerano had dreams of making it big in the event production industry.
Israeli authorities and his family have alleged that a UNRWA employee may have been involved in the abduction of his body. A prior UN investigation found that several UNRWA employees may have participated in the October 7 attacks, leading to their dismissal.
Shay Levinson Remembered as Young Hero Who Chose Combat Over Privilege and Recognition
Shay Levinson, 19, was a dual German-Israeli national and a tank commander in the IDF. He was killed in combat on October 7, with his body later taken to Gaza. Levinson came from Givat Avni and was celebrated for his athleticism and leadership on a Jewish-Arab volleyball team.
Despite being eligible for special athlete status, he chose to serve in a combat role. He was described as quiet, ambitious, and principled, earning admiration for his choices and service.
The return of the three bodies has brought a measure of closure to grieving families. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum stressed that 50 hostages still remain in Gaza and urged the Israeli government to prioritize their return.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended condolences to the families and praised the operation’s success. Meanwhile, the war in Gaza continues with heavy casualties. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 55,900 people have died and more than 131,000 have been injured since Israel began its military campaign on October 7, 2023.