IDF confirms hostage Youssef Ziyadne’s body recovered, says findings raise ‘grave concerns’ for son Hamza’s fate

The IDF in a statement confirms that the military recovered the body of hostage Youssef Ziyadne, 53, who was abducted by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, alongside three of his children.

According to the military, Ziyadne’s body was found in a tunnel in southern Gaza’s Rafah, and was brought back to Israel for identification.

Additionally, the IDF says it located findings in the tunnel linked to Ziyadne’s son, Hamza, who was abducted with him on October 7.

The military says the findings raise “grave concerns for his life.”

Two of Youssef’s other children, Bilal and Aisha, were released on November 30, 2023 after more than 50 days in Hamas captivity.

Despite the IDF statement, Defense Minister Israel Katz says in a statement that the bodies of both Youssef and Hamza were recovered “in a heroic operation,” and expresses his condolences to the Ziyadne family.