The Israeli military announced on Friday that it has recovered the bodies of three hostages from the Gaza Strip. The hostages, identified as Shani Louk, Amit Bouskila, and Itshak Gelernter, were taken captive on October 7 while escaping the Nova music festival and were subsequently killed. Their bodies were transported into Gaza by Hamas, according to IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari during a press conference in Tel Aviv.

“They were celebrating life at the Nova music festival and they were murdered by Hamas,” Hagari stated.

The bodies have been identified by authorities, and their families have been informed. The remains have been transferred to medical professionals for forensic examination. Hagari did not disclose the specific location where the bodies were found but confirmed that they were recovered during a joint operation by the IDF and Shin Bet.

An IDF spokesperson reported that the bodies were discovered in a tunnel in Gaza. Nissim Louk, father of Shani Louk, told Israeli media that his daughter’s body was well preserved due to being stored in a “deep and very cold tunnel.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his grief on X, stating, “The heart breaks for the great loss. My wife Sara and I grieve with the families. All our hearts are with them in this hour of grieving.” He added, “We will return all our hostages, the dead and the alive alike. I congratulate our brave forces who, with determined action, have returned our sons and daughters home.”

Of the three hostages, only Louk had previously been confirmed dead by the Israeli government. The 23-year-old German-Israeli woman was declared dead by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs in late October. Her death was announced after forensic examiners found a bone fragment from her skull.

This tragic recovery underscores the ongoing conflict’s profound human cost, highlighting the grief and determination of families and authorities alike. Though under sorrowful circumstances, the return of Shani Louk, Amit Bouskila, and Itshak Gelernter exemplifies Israel’s commitment to retrieving its citizens and bringing closure to their families. As the nation mourns these losses, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s pledge to return all hostages reflects a resolute stance amidst an enduring struggle. The operation involving the IDF and Shin Bet demonstrates the extensive efforts being made to address the repercussions of the October 7th incident and ensure that the victims are honored and remembered. Even though this rescue effort was in vain, it cannot overshadow the current suffering experienced by the Palestinian people at the hands of Israel.