In a significant development, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on May 24, 2024, that they had recovered the bodies of three more hostages who were taken during Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The victims identified were Hanan Yablonka (42), Michel Nisenbaum (59), and Orion Hernandez Radoux (30).
Hanan Yablonka, a father of two children, was killed near the Mefalsim area in southern Israel. He was attending the Nova Music Festival with his family when he was taken hostage.
Michel Nisenbaum had lived in Israel since 1988 and had two daughters and six grandchildren. He was on his way to pick up his granddaughter when he was taken captive.
Orion Hernandez Radoux, also a victim of the October 7 attack, was killed at the same location as Yablonka. His partner Shani Louk's body had been found by the army nearly a week ago.
The IDF operation to recover these bodies took place in Jabalia, a city in northern Gaza. The families of the victims have been notified and their bodies will be returned for Jewish burials.
As of this report, 125 hostages are still being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to bringing all hostages home.
The announcement comes as the International Court of Justice prepares to rule on whether Israel must halt its military operations and withdraw from Gaza. The United Nations, Egypt, South Africa, Qatar, and the United States have all called for a ceasefire in the conflict.
