Israeli security forces have discovered the body of hostage Youssef al-Ziyadne, 53, in the Gaza Strip. His family was informed on Wednesday, and the IDF confirmed that his death did not appear to be recent. The remains were found in a tunnel in Rafah, along with two terrorists who were guarding him.
Ziyadne was abducted alongside three of his children from Kibbutz Holit on October 7, 2023, when Hamas invaded southern Israel and murdered some 1,200 people. He had worked on the kibbutz for 19 years before his abduction.
President Isaac Herzog expressed his grief at Youssef’s death, saying that “our hearts ache” for the Ziyadne family. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the news, calling it a “deep sorrow.” Defense Minister Israel Katz shared condolences with the family and emphasized the need to return all hostages, both living and dead.
The Hostages Families Forum announced its support for the Ziyadne family’s grief and stressed the need for a hostage deal. A day of mourning has been declared in the Bedouin town of Rahat, where Ziyadne lived.
Ziyadne leaves behind 18 children, two wives, and several grandchildren. His body is being transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for medical examination. The search for his son Hamza continues, who was also abducted during the same incident and is believed to have died.
Source: https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-836669