Israeli Forces Recover Body of Hostage Taken by Hamas in Gaza
The body of Youssef Al-Zayadna was retrieved in a complex operation, as negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release continue.
- Israeli military recovered the body of Youssef Al-Zayadna, a 53-year-old Bedouin hostage, from an underground tunnel in Rafah, Gaza.
- Evidence related to Al-Zayadna's son, Hamzah, raises concerns for his life, though his death has not been confirmed.
- The Al-Zayadna family was abducted during Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in over 250 hostages being taken.
- Negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. are ongoing, with reports suggesting a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal is close.
- The conflict has led to over 45,800 deaths in Gaza, with significant civilian casualties, and displaced 90% of the territory's population.