The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced early Tuesday morning that they had recovered the bodies of six Israeli hostages from a tunnel in Khan Younis, located in the southern Gaza Strip.
The hostages, who were abducted during the deadly Hamas-led invasion of southern Israel on October 7, 2023, were identified as Alex Dancyg (75), Yagev Buchshtav (35), Chaim Peri (79), Yoram Metzger (80), Nadav Popplewell (51), and Avraham Munder (78).
The overnight operation was carried out by IDF special forces and members of the Shin Bet security agency, who were able to locate the bodies in a specific tunnel in Khan Younis, through accurate intelligence.
According to the IDF, the troops faced no resistance inside the tunnel, although fighting occurred in surrounding areas of the city.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences to the families of the six hostages, stating, “Our hearts ache for the terrible loss. The State of Israel will continue to make every effort to return all our hostages—both alive and dead.” Defense Minister Yoav Gallant tagged the operation as “daring and dangerous” and said Israel will continue its military efforts until Hamas is defeated and all hostages are returned.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir also praised the IDF for their bravery and reiterated the importance of military pressure in securing the release of the remaining hostages. “The remaining hostages must only be returned via intense military pressure, halting the entry of fuel and humanitarian aid to terrorism and its supporters, and not via irresponsible deals,” Ben Gvir stated.
Hostage Background
Alex Dancyg (75) was a Holocaust educator and historian who dedicated his life to teaching about the Holocaust, particularly in Poland.
Born to Holocaust survivors, Dancyg lived in Nir Oz where he farmed peanuts and potatoes. He was taken hostage from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023.
The Dancyg family expressed a mixture of grief and pride in Alex’s legacy. “Alex dedicated his life to educating others about the horrors of the Holocaust. His death at the hands of terrorists is a painful reminder of the evil that still exists in the world,” the family stated.
Yagev Buchshtav (35) was a musician and sound engineer known for building his instruments. He was abducted from Kibbutz Nirim along with his wife Rimon Kirsht Buchshtav, who was released in November 2023.
Rimon didn’t want to leave Yagev behind after staying together throughout their captivity but was threatened with being dragged on the floor if she didn’t go willingly.
Rimon and Yagev met in high school and reconnected years later, tying the knot in 2021. Before their captivity, they were known for their home which was filled with music and rescued abused animals.
She was inconsolable after learning of Yagev’s death. She had hoped against hope that he would survive. In a tearful statement, she said, “Yagev was my soulmate. The world feels empty without him.”
Chaim Peri (79) was a retired military officer and peace activist who volunteered to transport sick Palestinian children to Israeli hospitals. He also worked as an art curator and film lecturer. He was also kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz. He is survived by his wife, Osnat Peri, five children, and thirteen grandchildren.
Chaim Peri’s wife, Osnat, and their five children expressed deep sorrow. Peri’s daughter, Noam Peri, who had previously campaigned tirelessly for his release, said, “Our father was a man of peace who dedicated his life to bridging divides. His loss is a profound tragedy not just for our family, but for all who knew him.”
Yoram Metzger (80) had worked for decades at the Nirlat paint factory and was a lover of history. He was taken hostage with his wife, who was released in a hostage deal in November 2023. He is also survived by three children and seven grandchildren.
Yoram Metzger’s wife, Tami, was devastated by the confirmation of her husband’s death. The family issued a statement, saying, “Yoram was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled.”
Nadav Popplewell (51), a dual Israeli-UK citizen, was known for his love of science fiction and his close relationship with his family. One of his favorite past times was playing bridge with his friends in the kibbutz. He was abducted from Kibbutz Nirim. He is survived by his sister, Ayelet Popplewell, and his mother, Channah Popplewell.
Nadav’s sister, Ayelet, and their mother, Channah, were overwhelmed with grief. They thanked the IDF for recovering Nadav’s body but expressed frustration over the long wait for answers. “Nadav was a kind soul, always thinking of others. We are heartbroken but relieved to finally bring him home,” Ayelet said.
Avraham Munder (78) was remembered for his warmth and love of singing. He was kidnapped along with his family from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
His son Roee was murdered on October 7 while other family members were released in November 2023. He is survived by his wife, Ruti Munder, his daughter, Keren Munder, and his grandson, Ohad Munder, all of whom were also released in the same deal.
Avraham Munder’s daughter, Keren, expressed profound sadness at the loss of her father, particularly because the family had been hopeful he was still alive. “He was a warm and loving man, a pillar of our family. The pain of losing him is indescribable,” Keren shared.
The Hostages Families Forum, an organization representing the families of those kidnapped by Hamas, expressed both sorrow and urgency in a statement: “While we mourn the loss of our loved ones, we urge the government to do everything in its power to secure the release of the remaining hostages. The pain of not knowing the fate of our family members is unbearable.”
As the conflict continues, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas enclaves in Gaza and ongoing rocket fire from Lebanon, international efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and a hostage release deal are intensifying. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Egypt on Tuesday to continue talks with key regional players, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Qatari officials, in a bid to end the fighting and secure the release of the remaining hostages.
