Israeli Defense Forces Recover Body of Another Hostage Killed by Hamas Terrorists

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have successfully recovered the body of another hostage taken by Hamas terrorists during the tragic events of the October 7 massacre.

According to an official statement from the IDF, the recovered hostage has been identified as 53-year-old Ron Benjamin, a loving father of two who was abducted by Hamas militants near the Gaza border on the fateful morning of Oct. 7, 2023.

Speaking at a press briefing, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari solemnly announced, “Tonight, we are sharing the tragic news that the Israel Defense Forces, in collaboration with the ISA [Israel Security Agency], have successfully brought home the body of the Israeli hostage, Ron Benjamin.”

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Tragically, Mr. Benjamin was found deceased near Kibbutz Mefalsim, and his body was subsequently taken to Gaza, as confirmed by Mr. Hagari.

“On October 7th, the brutality of Hamas spared no one in their path—men, women, children, Israeli, or foreign nationals—reflecting their ruthless nature,” stated Mr. Hagari during the briefing.

Similarly, Louk, Buskila, and Gelernter were also victims of abduction and murder on the day of the massacre, with their bodies also being transported to Gaza.

“With heavy hearts, we announce the retrieval of our hostages’ bodies by the Israel Defense Forces and ISA forces,” Mr. Hagari expressed in the statement on May 17.

As per IDF reports, the three victims were attending the Nova Music Festival near Re’im, an Israeli community close to the Gaza fence, on the day of the tragic incident.

In the briefing held on May 18, Mr. Hagari extended condolences to the bereaved families, stating, “Our thoughts are with all their families during this incredibly challenging period.”

The October 7 massacre resulted in the loss of over 1,200 lives and the abduction of more than 240 individuals by Hamas. Unfortunately, several hostages have been confirmed dead, with fears that many more could have met the same fate at the hands of the terrorist organization.

Hamas has attempted to shift blame onto Israeli military actions in Gaza for the additional hostage casualties.

While some hostages have been freed since the incident, a significant number—over 120 individuals—are still being held captive.

“Our primary objective is to secure the safe return of each of the remaining one hundred and twenty-eight hostages currently held in Gaza,” Mr. Hagari emphasized during the press briefing on May 18.