Photo: The Hostages and Missing Persons
The Israeli military has recovered the bodies of two Israeli-American hostages, Judi Weinstein Haggai, 70, and her husband, Gad Haggai, 72. The couple was kidnapped during a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, and later declared dead by Israeli authorities. Their bodies were retrieved near Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
Judi Weinstein Haggai held U.S. and Canadian citizenship, while Gad Haggai was a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen. The Mujahideen Brigades, a small militant group in Gaza, had taken their bodies to the region after the attack in southern Israel. The recovery operation was conducted by Israeli special military forces, based on intelligence gathered by Israel.
The couple had four children and other family members in both Israel and the United States. Their recovery leaves the bodies of two other U.S.-Israeli citizens still held in Gaza. In total, approximately 36 deceased and about 20 living hostages remain captive in the area, according to the Israeli government.
Israel and the United States are advocating for a temporary ceasefire with Hamas and the release of half of the living and deceased hostages. While Hamas has agreed to these terms, they are also calling for discussions to permanently end the conflict.