Israeli Hostage Ilan Weiss Found Dead in Gaza

Sat Oct 18 2025 19:27:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The body of Israeli hostage Ilan Weiss was recovered by the IDF in Gaza, nearly a month after he was killed during a Hamas attack. His tragic death highlights the ongoing conflict and hostage situation in the region, as the military focuses efforts on the remaining captives.

Ilan Weiss, an Israeli hostage, has been confirmed dead after his body was recovered by the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza. Weiss, who was killed while defending Kibbutz Beeri during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, represents one of many hostages still in captivity. Following the attack, Israel's military response has escalated amid domestic pressure to secure the return of the remaining hostages. The situation continues to unfold as the region faces a humanitarian crisis.

The body of Israeli hostage Ilan Weiss has been recovered in an operation in the Gaza Strip, Israel's military has announced.

Weiss, 56, was killed during Hamas's attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The remains of a second hostage, whose identity remains undisclosed, were also recovered, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

In response to the initial attack, Israel launched a significant offensive in Gaza, which resulted in 1,200 fatalities and 251 individuals taken as hostages. Currently, reports indicate 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive.

Ilan Weiss was killed while defending Kibbutz Beeri during the attack. His wife, Shiri, and daughter, Noga, were also taken hostage by Hamas but released during a temporary ceasefire in November.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised Weiss's bravery and the resilience of his family in their quest for his return.

Amid strong domestic demand for action, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure to negotiate for the release of all hostages. Protests have erupted, calling for an end to the conflict as Israel pursues its military operations in Gaza City.

The IDF has indicated its offensive is now entering the initial stages of advancing into Gaza City, despite international warnings of a humanitarian disaster in the densely populated area.

As the military campaign continues, over 90% of Gaza's infrastructure is damaged or destroyed, with the UN reporting severe food insecurity and rising casualty numbers in the region.