Official statements from the Israeli government or international news agencies

IDF and Shin Bet Recover Body of Hostage Itay Svirsky, 38, Murdered by Hamas in Captivity

Dec 4, 2024, 06:38 PM

Israeli forces have recovered the body of hostage Itay Svirsky, 38, from the Gaza Strip in a special operation involving the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency, according to an announcement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. Svirsky was abducted by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, from Kibbutz Be'eri during a large-scale attack that claimed the lives of his parents, Orit and Rafi. He was subsequently murdered while in captivity in January 2024. Svirsky leaves behind three siblings, and his body will be laid to rest between his parents in Israel. The operation underscores the ongoing efforts to recover Israeli hostages and their remains from Gaza, where approximately 100 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas.