Israeli military finds body of a hostage in Gaza, examining identity of the 2nd one

Destroyed buildings stand inside the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP)

Jerusalem: The Israeli military said on Wednesday that troops have recovered the body of a hostage held in Gaza and were examining whether another body recovered was also that of a captive. Earlier, Israel’s defense minister said troops recovered the bodies of two hostages.
The military said the body of Yosef Al Zaydani was brought to Israel on Tuesday after being discovered in an underground tunnel near the Gaza city of Rafah. It said troops uncovered information about Al Zaydani’s son Hamzah that “raised serious concerns for his life.” Military spokesman Col Nadav Shoshani said they were looking into the identity of a second set of remains recovered.
Al Zaydani and his son were taken captive during Hamas’ attack on Oct 7, 2023, alongwith 250 others. Israel believes a third of the remaining 100 hostages are dead. The body’s recovery comes as Israel and Hamas are considering a ceasefire deal. Yosef Al Zaydani’s name was on a list of 34 hostages shared by a Hamas official that the group said were slated for release.