Israel has confirmed that the remains of 23-year-old hostage Hamzah AlZaydani, taken during Hamas-led attacks in 2023, were recovered in Gaza alongside those of his father, Yosef AlZaydani.
Friday's announcement comes amid ongoing discussions for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which could lead to the release of the remaining hostages.
Why It Matters
The identification of Hamzah AlZaydani's body underscores the devastating human toll of the Israel-Hamas war, now in its 15th month.
With thousands dead and hundreds of thousands displaced, the conflict continues to strain humanitarian efforts and global diplomatic relations.
As both sides edge closer to a potential ceasefire deal, the fate of hostages remains a central issue shaping negotiations. The revelation that many hostages have died in captivity could intensify calls for immediate action.
What to Know
The remains of Hamzah and Yosef AlZaydani were retrieved from an underground tunnel in Rafah, Gaza, earlier this week. Hamzah's identity was confirmed by Israel's National Institute of Forensic Medicine and police. The pair were kidnapped from Kibbutz Holit during Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, which sparked the current conflict when over 1,200 Israelis were killed, and 250 abducted. Israel's army believes about a third of the 100 remaining hostages in Gaza are dead.
Ongoing War and Humanitarian Crisis
Gaza's Health Ministry reports over 46,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began, with women and children comprising more than half the fatalities. Israel, citing Hamas' use of civilian areas for military operations, claims to have killed over 17,000 militants, though no independent verification has been provided. The fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands, forcing many into overcrowded camps with scarce resources.
Ceasefire Negotiations
Israel and Hamas are reportedly inching closer to a ceasefire agreement. Such a deal would aim to release the remaining hostages and halt Israel's air and ground operations. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents families of the hostages, said Hamzah was a nature lover who had deep affection for animals and was beloved by his friends. He leaves behind a wife and two children.
What People Are Saying
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Forum said in a statement posted on X that it "bows its head upon learning of the passing of Yosef AlZaydani, of blessed memory. We share in the profound grief of the AlZaydani family."
President-elect Donald Trump has warned Hamas there will be "hell to pay" if hostages are not released before his Jan. 20 inauguration.
"What we are living is not a life. Nobody could bear the situation we're experiencing for a single day," said Munawar al-Bik, a displaced woman from Gaza City. "We wake up at night to the sounds of men crying because of the bad situation."
What Happens Next
As Israel and Hamas weigh a ceasefire, the focus remains on securing the release of hostages and addressing the humanitarian crisis. The outcome of these negotiations could shape the trajectory of the conflict and its broader regional implications.
This articles includes reporting from The Associated Press
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