Israel Recovers Body of Hostage, As It Continues Heavy Bombardment of Gaza

Israel’s military say it has recovered the body of hostage Elia Toledano, who was taken by Hamas from the supernova music festival on 7 October.

No details have been provided on how or when he died, but the military said an “identification procedure” had been carried out by medics, military rabbis and forensic experts.

Meanwhile, Israel has continued its heavy bombardment of Gaza overnight with children reportedly among those killed.

White House National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan is due to meet Palestinian authority officials in the occupied west bank later.

Sullivan said his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about shifting to a more precise phase of military operations had been “constructive”.

Hamas broke through Israel’s heavily guarded perimeter on 7 October, killing 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages – some of whom were released during a brief truce.

Read Also:

Hamas Threatens To Kill All Israeli Hostages in Gaza, If Demands Not Met

The health ministry in Gaza, which is run by Hamas, says more than 18,700 people have been killed and 50,000 injured in the enclave since the start of the Gaza war.

During a week-long truce in late November, Hamas released more than 100 women, children and foreigners it was holding in Gaza in exchange for the release of 240 women and teenagers Israel had imprisoned, many without charge.

More than 130 hostages remain in Gaza. Some have been declared dead in absentia by Israeli authorities.

The Palestinian Prisoners Association said Israel has detained more than 4,400 Palestinians since Oct. 7 and is holding around half without charge.