In a joint operation conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency, the bodies of four abducted Israelis were recovered in the Gaza Strip between Thursday night and Friday morning. The recovered remains were identified as those of Shani Lok, Amit Buskila, Yitzhak Galrenter, and Ron Benjamin. The last time IDF regained a body was on April 6, when the body of Elad Katzir, who had been killed in captivity, was recovered.

The IDF spokesperson emphasized the ongoing efforts to bring back all the abductees, stating, “The IDF and Shin Bet continue to utilize all available operational and intelligence resources, even at great risk, to fulfill the paramount national duty of bringing home all the captives, both living and deceased.”

IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari provided further details about the circumstances surrounding the abductions. Three of the individuals whose bodies were recovered had been attending a festival in Re’im on October 7 when a terrorist attack occurred. As they fled towards the Mifalsim curve, they were killed. The fourth victim had gone out for a morning bike ride on that fateful day and was also murdered upon reaching the Mifalsim curve. After their murders, Hamas terrorists took their bodies to the Gaza Strip.

Hamas is still holding 128 abductees in captivity, including 39 who are no longer alive.

Please pray for the return of all the remaining captives, especially those living in terrible conditions of abuse and starvation.

Please pray for additional wisdom for the security forces in finding and releasing more captives.

Please pray for the consolation of the families whose loved ones’ bodies have been returned to Israel.