The IDF reported Tuesday morning that the bodies of six hostages had been rescued from Gaza on Monday night. They are: Nadav Popplewell, Yagev Buchstab, Yoram Metzger, Haim Perry, Alex Danzig, and Avraham Munder.
VIN
The IDF reported Tuesday morning that the bodies of six hostages had been rescued from Gaza. The six are Nadav Popplewell, Yagev Buchstab, Yoram Metzger, Haim Perry, Alex Danzig, and Avraham Munder, and were retrieved Monday night from Gaza in an IDF operation.
The bodies were found in a tunnel in Khan Younis by the 98th division which is operating in the southern Gaza strip. All six were kidnapped to Gaza by terrorists during the October 7 massacre, and were murdered in captivity.
Popplewell, Metzger, and Perry were announced murdered in June, and Danzig and Buchstab were reported murdered last month. Munder’s death had not been known previously.
There are now 109 hostages remaining in captivity, 35 of whom have been confirmed dead.
In a joint announcement, the IDF and ISA said, “On Monday night, in a joint IDF and Shin Bet operation, the bodies of the hostages Yagev Buchshtab, Alexander Danzig, Avraham Munder, Yoram Metzger, Nadav Popplewell, and Haim Perry were rescued from the Khan Yunis area in the Gaza Strip.”
“The rescue operation was conducted under the command of the 98th Division and carried out by the Paratroopers Brigade ‘Yahalom’ Unit, and the 75th Battalion, along with Shin Bet forces.
“The operation was enabled by precise intelligence from the Shin Bet, IDF intelligence units, and the IDF Intelligence Directorate Hostage Headquarters.
“Following an identification procedure carried out by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Israel Police, the IDF Manpower Directorate’s Hostage team, which is responsible for accompanying the families of the hostages, notified their families and communities today. The IDF and Shin Bet send their heartfelt condolences to the families.
“The IDF and Shin Bet are continuing to deploy all operational and intelligence means in order to fulfill the supreme national mission of bringing back all the hostages.”
On Tuesday morning, Kibbutz Nir Oz said, “With profound sorrow, Kibbutz Nir Oz announces the murder of Avraham Munder while held hostage in Gaza, after enduring months of physical and mental torture.”
“Avraham was 79 years old, a member of Kibbutz Nir Oz. He worked at the Nirlat factory and was known for his warm nature and deep love of singing.
“Avraham was abducted along with his wife Ruti, his daughter Keren, and his only grandson, nine-year-old Ohad, who were released in a hostage deal.
“His son, Ro’ee Munder, was brutally murdered in the October 7th massacre.”
Ruti, Keren, and Ohad were released in a November 2023 prisoner swap deal, in which most civilian women and children were released in exchange for convicted terrorists.
The statement added, “We will forever remember Avraham for his clear voice, warm smile, and boundless love for his family and kibbutz. May his memory be a blessing.”
Munder’s body has been retrieved by Israel.
Munder’s nephew told Kan Reshet Bet: “The IDF told us that he was found in a tunnel in Khan Yunis. We are not yet sure what the cause of death is, but it did not happen recently – apparently around March. The news shatters us. The exchange deal ended on the seventh day, when he was supposed to be included in the list for the next day. There were options, and we could have saved him.”
During the November deal, Hamas violated the ceasefire, as well as violating twice the terms of the prisoner swap. The terror group then abruptly ended the prisoner exchanges, though Israel was interested and willing to continue both the exchanges and the break in fighting.
The Tikva Forum for hostages’ families said, “This morning, we received the news that our loved ones who were murdered by the Hamas monsters will be brought for burial in Israel, thanks to the IDF’s operations last night.”
“We share the sorrow of the families of Haim Perry, Yoram Metzger, Avraham Munder, Nadav Popplewell, Alexander Dancyg, and Yagev Buchstab. Dear families, may you be comforted from Heaven. We send you an enormous embrace.
“The People of Israel thank the IDF soldiers and the security forces, who work constantly to bring back our loved ones, while endangering their own lives, out of mutual responsibility. We are all for us all, and we will enable those murdered and their families the last honor, which they deserve – to be buried in the Land of Israel.”
“We will all continue our efforts and prayers to bring all of the hostages back – quickly,” the Forum concluded.
Israel does not know how many hostages are still alive.
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