In an operational activity by the IDF and the Shin Bet in the Gaza Strip, the bodies of two of our hostages were returned to Israel - the late Yair Yaakov, and another hostage whose name has not yet been released (his family has been informed of this).

Yair Yaakov was murdered and kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz by the Islamic Jihad on October 7, 2023. 

Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their dearest.

I thank the fighters and commanders for another successful execution of the sacred mission of returning our hostages.

We will not rest or be silent until we return all of our hostages home - both the living and the dead.

Kibbutz Nir Oz announced: The additional kidnapped victim who was returned alongside Yair Yaakov is also one of the Nir Oz abductees. 

The victim's family requested that his name not be published in the media.