Israel recovers 6 dead hostages in 'complex rescue operation,' says bodies held under humanitarian area

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recovered the bodies of six deceased Israeli hostages in a rescue operation Monday, the forces announced.

"Overnight our forces returned the bodies of six of our hostages that had been held by the murderous Hamas terrorist organization," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

"Our hearts grieve over the terrible loss," Netanyahu said. "My wife Sara and I convey our heartfelt condolences to the dear families."

"I would like to thank the brave IDF and ISA fighters and commanders for their heroism and determined action," he added. "The State of Israel will continue to make every effort to return all of our hostages – the living and the deceased."

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The bodies of Nadav Popplewell, Yagev Buchshtab, Yoram Metzger, Chaim Peri, Alexander Dancyg, and Avraham Munder returned from Khan Yunis area in Gaza thanks to the efforts of the IDF’s 98th Division and carried out by the "Yahalom" Unit of the Paratroopers Brigade, along with others, the IDF announced.

In a statement, IDF International spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said, "This was a complex rescue operation that was conducted both above and below ground. We have not yet finished all our missions in the area. We are still operating inside the tunnels". He continued, "The