Israeli Forces Recover Bodies of Hostages Killed by Hamas

Israeli forces have recovered the bodies of five hostages, killed during Hamas' Oct. 7 attack and later held in Gaza. Among the deceased were Maya Goren, a kindergarten teacher, and four soldiers. Their bodies were retrieved from Khan Younis. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized ongoing efforts to release remaining hostages.

Israeli forces have recovered the bodies of five hostages killed in the Hamas attack on Oct. 7 and subsequently held in Gaza, according to the Israeli military.

Maya Goren, a 56-year-old kindergarten teacher, was among the victims killed at her kibbutz, Nir Oz, in southern Israel. The other four victims included two reserve soldiers and two conscript soldiers who died during combat.

Their bodies were retrieved from Khan Younis in southern Gaza, where Israeli forces recently launched new raids. The five were part of 120 hostages still in Gaza, many of whom have been declared dead based on forensic and intelligence findings.

In a speech to the U.S. Congress, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government is making intensive efforts to release the remaining hostages. An Israeli delegation will participate in upcoming talks, mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, to secure a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release.

Hamas has called for a ceasefire, but Netanyahu insists the war cannot end until Hamas is defeated.

(With inputs from agencies.)