The IDF has recovered the bodies of six hostages who were killed while in Hamas captivity. The victims—Yoram Metzger, Chaim Peri, Avraham Munder, Nadav Popplewell, Alexander Dancyg, and Yagev Buchshtav—were abducted on October 7th. Their bodies have been returned to Israel.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have recovered the body of Avraham Munder from a tunnel in Khan Younis, Gaza, according to Eyal Mor, Munder’s nephew. Speaking to the Kan public broadcaster, Mor revealed that initial estimates suggest Munder died in March, though the exact cause of death remains pending a pathological report. The IDF is expected to release further details to the public soon.
Shahar Mor Zahiro, another nephew, expressed frustration on Radio 103FM, accusing the government of mishandling the situation. “This is another horrific case, the blood is on the hands of the government,” Zahiro said, criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urging for the release of all living hostages.
In related news, Kibbutz Nir Oz has announced that the body of Yoram Metzger, 80, was also recovered from Gaza. Metzger, who had previously worked in a paint factory and a car garage, was abducted alongside his wife Tami. She was released in a November hostage deal.
The kibbutz emphasized the importance of a swift deal to bring all hostages home, stressing that while recovering the bodies is crucial, it should not come at the cost of soldiers’ safety.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden commented on the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas, stating that the terror group is “backing away” from a proposed ceasefire and a hostages-for-prisoners exchange. “It’s still in play, but you can’t predict,” Biden noted as he prepared to depart Chicago after addressing the Democratic National Convention. He added that while Israel believes a resolution can be achieved, Hamas’s current stance is uncertain.
Key Points:
- Recovery of Hostage Bodies: The IDF has recovered the body of Avraham Munder from a tunnel in Gaza’s Khan Younis. Initial estimates suggest he died in March, but the cause of death is pending a pathological report.
- Family Reactions: Eyal Mor and Shahar Mor Zahiro, nephews of Munder, have criticized the Israeli government for its handling of the situation. Zahiro accused the government of negligence and politicizing the issue, calling for the immediate release of all hostages.
- Body of Yoram Metzger: Kibbutz Nir Oz has confirmed the recovery of the body of Yoram Metzger, 80, who was kidnapped along with his wife Tami. Tami was released in a November hostage deal.
- Importance of Hostage Deal: The kibbutz emphasized the urgency of securing a deal to bring all hostages back and expressed concern for the safety of soldiers involved in recovery operations.
- US President Biden’s Statement: President Joe Biden indicated that Hamas is “backing away” from a potential ceasefire and hostages-for-prisoners exchange with Israel, although he noted that negotiations are still ongoing.
