Israel Recovers Bodies of IDF Soldier and Civilians from Gaza

In a significant military operation, the bodies of three hostages – an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier and two civilians – were recovered from Gaza on June 22, 2025, following their abduction during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. This operation was carried out by the Israel Security Agency (ISA) in conjunction with the IDF, underscoring the ongoing challenges and complexities surrounding the conflict in the region.

The recovered individuals include Shay Levinson, a 19-year-old dual German-Israeli national and tank commander, as well as civilians Ofra Keidar, 71, and Yonatan Samerano, 21. Levinson was killed in combat during the initial stages of the conflict, while Keidar and Samerano were taken hostage during the attacks.

Ofra Keidar was a cherished member of the kibbutz Be’eri community, where she was deeply involved in community activities. Her husband was also killed in the October attacks, leaving her family to mourn her loss. According to a statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, Keidar was a dedicated caregiver, having worked in agriculture and caring for animals for over 30 years. Her family fondly remembered her for her love of nature and animals.

Yonatan Samerano, described by family and friends as an aspiring entrepreneur and talented DJ, was taken during a music festival where he was performing. His family claims that an employee of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) was involved in the abduction. An investigation by the United Nations last year indicated that some UNRWA employees may have participated in the October attacks, leading to their dismissal from the agency.

The return of their bodies has brought a measure of closure to the families, who endured over 600 days of uncertainty. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum emphasized the importance of recovering the remaining 50 hostages believed to still be held in Gaza, calling it crucial for achieving a complete resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed gratitude to the IDF for their efforts in the operation. As part of Israel's larger military strategy, the operation reflects the complexities of hostage recovery amid ongoing hostilities. Over the last 24 hours, the conflict has claimed the lives of 51 individuals in Gaza, raising the total death toll to approximately 55,959 since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

The situation remains dire, with significant casualties reported on both sides. The Israeli military has stated that the ongoing campaign aims to dismantle Hamas' military capabilities while addressing the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded in Gaza. As Israel seeks to recover remaining hostages, international observers continue to call for a ceasefire and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.