German-Israeli Shani Louk Declared Dead After Gaza Abduction, Family Unable to Hold Funeral Due to Non-Return of Body

DNA Confirms Death of Abducted Shani Louk; Israel Continues War Against Hamas Amidst Rising Civilian Casualties and Yet-to-be Freed Hostages

Shani Louk, a 22-year-old German-Israeli woman was kidnapped during a Hamas attack at a music festival near the Gaza border, and later confirmed to be dead. Her mother, Ricarda Louk, first recognized her daughter in circulating videos due to distinctive tattoos.
Her death was confirmed through the identification of a bone from the base of her skull, found at the festival site. The family cannot have a proper funeral as her body has yet to be returned from Gaza.
Ricarda Louk spoke to CNN, admitting they have not received Shani's body and asserting that other hostages need to be freed as quickly as possible. Hamas has taken at least 224 hostages since its October attack, with only four having been released so far.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has led to high civilian casualties. More than 1,400 Israelis and over 8,000 Palestinians have died. The Israeli government continues to reject calls for a cease-fire.
Nissim Louk, Shani's father, believes his daughter was killed on the spot and did not suffer. He criticizes the Israeli government but praises the Israel Defense Forces, suggesting harsher response against Hamas.