The Israeli army announced on Friday that the bodies of three more hostages, Hanan Yablonka, Michel Nisenbaum, and Orion Hernandez, have been recovered from Gaza. They were among those killed during the October 7 attack at the Mefalsim intersection. Families of the victims have been notified, according to AFP reports.
The October 7 attack, perpetrated by terrorists linked to Hamas, resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of approximately 250 others. While about half of the hostages have been released, mainly through exchanges for Palestinian prisoners during a ceasefire in November 2023, around 100 hostages are still held in Gaza, along with the bodies of about 30 others.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of all hostages, although progress has been limited. He reiterated Israel’s commitment to bringing back those abducted, alive or deceased.
The International Court of Justice is anticipated to deliver a ruling on South Africa’s plea to halt Israel’s operations on Friday afternoon. However, Israel is unlikely to comply with any such order, potentially increasing pressure on the country, which is already facing isolation.