Israel says bodies of 6 hostages retrieved in overnight operation

Israeli forces announced the recovery of six hostages’ bodies, captured by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attacks, following an overnight military operation in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces and Israel’s security agency confirmed the retrieval in a joint statement on Tuesday, Aug. 20.

The military identified the hostages whose bodies were returned to Israel as Yagev Buchshtab, Alexander Dancyg, Avraham Munder, Yoram Metzger, Nadav Popplewell, and Haim Peri. Except for Mr. Munder, all had already been confirmed dead while in captivity.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss, stating, “Our hearts ache over the terrible loss.” He also commended the soldiers and intelligence personnel involved in the operation, vowing to continue efforts to return all hostages—whether alive or deceased.

הלילה השיבו כוחותינו את גופותיהם של שישה מחטופינו שהוחזקו בידי ארגון הטרור הרצחני חמאס: אברהם מונדר ז״ל, אלכס דנציג ז״ל, חיים פרי ז״ל, יגב בוכשטב ז״ל, יורם מצגר ז״ל ונדב פופלוול ז״ל.

לב כולנו דואב על האובדן הנורא. רעייתי שרה ואני מוסרים את תנחומינו מעומק לבנו למשפחות היקרות.…

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) August 20, 2024

Simultaneously, Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that Israel has agreed to a proposal designed to bridge the existing gaps that are preventing a temporary cease-fire and the release of more hostages. The proposal comes as intense diplomatic efforts continue to find a path forward, with the U.S. and other global mediators urging Hamas to accept the terms.

While Israel’s agreement to the plan is seen as a step forward, Hamas remains undecided. The group has demanded a permanent truce, not just a temporary pause in the fighting. As part of the diplomatic push, Blinken will travel to Egypt and Qatar—where Hamas has a political presence—to continue discussions aimed at resolving the deadlock.

The stakes in these negotiations are especially high, with fears mounting that the conflict could spill into a broader regional war. Iran and its allied proxy groups, who have long supported Hamas, have issued threats, raising concerns that the war may escalate beyond Gaza and Israel.