The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an advocacy group supporting Israeli families involved in the ongoing conflict, expressed relief at the return of Rudaeff.
Still, the bodies of five individuals are yet to be repatriated — among them, three Israelis, a Thai national abducted during the attacks on October 7, and Israeli officer Hadar Goldin, who perished in the 2014 Gaza conflict.
Zamir “reaffirmed his dedication, along with the IDF’s, to retrieving Hadar and all the fallen hostages,” the group stated.
Leah Goldin, the mother of Israeli soldier Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, holds a photograph of her son. Source: AFP / Jack Guez
During the initial phase of last month’s truce, Hamas swiftly released 20 surviving hostages, while Israel freed hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Agence France-Presse footage showed medics at Nasser Medical Centre bringing the corpses in large white body bags.
Israeli settlers attack Palestinians, journalists at West Bank olive harvest, witnesses say
As the number of such attacks has climbed, Israeli and other activists have often joined Palestinians to support them and their right to harvest their olive groves, while also documenting any violence. Activists or local Palestinians often inform journalists of harvesting plans, so they can attend to report, particularly in flashpoint areas, such as outposts.
Witnesses said they saw no Israeli soldiers at the scene.
