Six Hostages Killed In Captivity Recovered From Gaza

Jerusalem, 20 August, 2024 (TPS) -- The bodies of six Israeli hostages held by Hamas and killed in captivity were recovered from a tunnel in Khan Yunis and brought back to Israel, the Israel Defense Forces announced on Tuesday morning.

All six hostages were previously confirmed as alive and in good health at various points after October 7, with some even appearing in Hamas hostage propaganda videos.

“Our hearts ache for the terrible loss. My wife Sarah and I send our condolences from the bottom of our hearts to the dear families,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “I would like to thank the brave soldiers and commanders of the IDF and Shin Bet for their bravery and determined action. The State of Israel will continue to make every effort to return all our abductees – both living and dead.”

Yoram Metzger, 80, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his wife, Tamar. She was subsequently released during a temporary ceasefire in November. According to his grandchildren, Metzger built a career in the military and was among the first paratroopers to arrive at the newly-liberated Western Wall during the Six-Day War of 1967. He also co-founded a successful paint company. Yoram is survived by three children and seven grandchildren.

Avraham Munder, 79, worked at a paint factory in Kibbutz Nir Oz and was a veteran of the Six-Day War. He was captured together with his wife Ruti, his daughter Keren, and his grandson Ohad, all of whom were released in the hostage deal in November. His son, Roy, was murdered on October 7. According to his nephew, Eyal Mor, Avraham’s murder in captivity is believed to have taken place in March.

Nadav Popplewell, 51, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nirim along with his mother, Channah, who was also freed in November. Nadav was a computer specialist and literature fan with a collection of hundreds of science fiction books. Nadav’s older brother, Roi, was also murdered in his home on the kibbutz. Nadav is survived by his sister and mother.

Chaim Peri, 80, of Nir Oz, was an artist, writer of screenplays and children’s books, curator, and the founder of the Nir Oz art gallery, as well as a peace activist. Peri also volunteered for the nonprofit organization Road to Recovery, driving sick Palestinians from the Gaza border to receive medical care in Israel.
He was kidnapped while protecting his wife. Chaim is survived by five children, and thirteen grandchildren.

Alexander Dancyg, 76, of Nir Oz, was a historian, Holocaust educator, and advocate for Polish-Jewish dialogue. Dancyg was born in Poland to parents who were Holocaust survivors, and came to Israel at the age of nine. He was one of the founders of a widespread program that takes Israeli high school students to Poland to learn about the concentration camps. He leaves behind four children and 13 grandchildren.

Yagev Buchshtav, 34, of Kibbutz Nirim, was a sound technician and musician kidnapped with his wife, Rimon, who was released in November. Both shared a passion for rescuing abandoned and abused animals. Yagev also built musical instruments and ran a recording studio. He is survived by his wife, parents, and two siblings.

At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 105 remaining hostages, more than 30 have been declared dead. Hamas has also been holding captive two Israeli civilians since 2014 and 2015, and the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014.