Tel Aviv, Jun 22: On June 22, the Israeli military announced the recovery of the remains of three hostages from the Gaza Strip—Yonatan Samerano (21), Ofra Keidar (70), and Shay Levinson (19). All three were killed during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which triggered the ongoing war. Their remains were identified and brought back to Israel, though the military did not disclose details of the recovery operation. It is also unclear whether the recovery was linked to an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on the same day, which killed four Palestinians and wounded 22 others as they waited for humanitarian aid.
The October 7 attack by Hamas-led militants resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 251 people. Since then, more than half of the hostages have been returned through ceasefire deals, eight have been rescued alive, and Israeli forces have recovered dozens of bodies. About 50 hostages remain in captivity, with less than half believed to be alive.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to bringing all hostages home, stating that the campaign continues alongside efforts against Iran. Kobi Samerano, father of Yonatan Samerano, shared that his son’s remains were returned on what would have been his 23rd birthday.
Meanwhile, Gaza remains engulfed in conflict and a worsening humanitarian crisis. An airstrike hit the densely populated Nuseirat refugee camp, killing four and injuring 22. According to Al-Awda Hospital, the victims were waiting for aid trucks. Palestinian health officials and witnesses accuse Israeli forces of repeatedly targeting civilians seeking aid, though the Israeli military claims it only fires warning shots at individuals approaching its forces suspiciously.
Since the war began, over 55,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which says women and children account for more than half of the casualties. The Ministry does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.
Amidst the crisis, humanitarian aid efforts are resuming. World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit founded by chef José Andrés, has restarted hot meal distribution in Gaza after a six-week pause caused by the Israeli blockade. The blockade was partially lifted last month due to mounting fears of famine.
Tensions have further escalated with Israel’s recent surprise strike on Iran, followed by U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. In this context, the Hostages Families Forum urged the Israeli government to prioritize a deal for the remaining hostages. The group stressed that securing their return is essential for any resolution to the conflict.
Hamas has demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for the remaining hostages. Netanyahu has rejected these terms, vowing to continue the war until all hostages are recovered and Hamas is dismantled. He also intends to maintain control over Gaza and promote the “voluntary emigration” of Gazans—plans widely criticized as forced displacement.
Peace talks led by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt have so far yielded little progress. (AP)
