In locating and recovering six bodies hostages who had been abducted during the Hamas attack on October 7 Israeli forces advanced.

The bodies were found and recovered from settlements in Gauzewhere a joint Shin Bet and Israeli army operation took place last night.

Specifically, their bodies were found Abraham Munder, Alex Dancyg, Chaim Peri, Yagev Buchshtab, Yoram Metzger and Nadav Popplewellwho were murdered after spending more than 10 months in captivity.

In a statement, the Hostage Families Forum said: “The recovery of the bodies of Abraham, Alex, Chaim, Yagev, Yoram and Nadav gives their families much-needed closure and offers eternal rest to those murdered.

Israel has a moral and ethical obligation to return all those murdered for decent burial and to bring all living hostages home for rehabilitation. The immediate return of remaining 109 hostages can only be achieved through a negotiated agreement. The Israeli government, with the help of mediators, must do everything in its power to finalize the deal that is currently on the table.”

The 79-year-old Abraham Munter lived in Kibbutz Nir Oz for more than 50 years. He fought and was wounded in the Six Day War. He was kidnapped along with his wife Ruth, their daughter Karen and his grandson Ohad. The three family members were released in a hostage deal after 50 days in captivity. Abraham and Ruth’s son Roy was murdered on October 7th.

The 80 year old Yoram Metzger from Kibbutz Nir Oz was kidnapped from his home along with his wife, Tamar, who was released from captivity after 53 days. Yoram leaves behind his wife, three children and seven grandchildren.

The also 80-year-old Chaim Peri from the Nir Oz kibbutz, was abducted from his room in his house while protecting his wife, Osnat. He is survived by his wife, five children and 13 grandchildren.

On December 18, 2023, Amiram Cooper, Yoram Metzger and Chaim Peri appeared alive. They were later killed in Khan Yunis, according to the IDF.

The 76-year-old Alex Dancygfrom the same kibbutz, was a historian, educator and farmer. Born to Holocaust survivors, he became one of the founders of educational delegations in Poland. The hostages held with him reported that Alex spent his time in captivity giving history lectures to other captives.

The 51-year-old Nadav Popplewellfrom the Nirim kibbutz, was abducted from his room with his mother, Channa Peri, who was released after 49 days of captivity. His older brother, Roy, was murdered on October 7. The Popplewell family asks the media to respect their need for privacy.

The 35-year-old Yagev Buchshtab he loved life in the Nirim kibbutz. A sound technician by profession, he had a passion for music. Yagev was abducted from his home in along with his wife, Rimon Buchshtab-Kirsht, who was released after 50 days of captivity.

“The Israeli government, with the help of mediators, must today approve the agreement on the negotiating table. This will allow for the recovery of living hostages, a dignified burial for all dead and murdered hostages, and will restore hope to the people of Israel,” the Forum of Families of Hostages and Missing Persons said in a statement.

Netanyahu: Our hearts mourn

Following the announcement of the recovery of the six bodies, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said:

“Overnight our forces returned the bodies of six of our hostages who had been kidnapped by the murderous terrorist organization Hamas: Avraham Munder, Alex Dancyg, Chaim Peri, Yagev Buchshtav, Yoram Metzger and Nadav Popplewell.

Our hearts go out for the terrible loss. My wife, Sarah, and I extend our deepest condolences to the beloved families.

I would like to thank the brave fighters and commanders of the IDF and ISA for their heroism and decisive action.

The State of Israel will continue to make every effort to return all hostages, alive and dead.”