IDF Shares Update About a Hostage

The Israel Defense Forces said Wednesday the body of a hostage was recovered from a tunnel in Gaza and returned to Israel.

Youssef Al-Ziyadnah, who had been kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023, was discovered in the Rafah area, a statement said.

"Youssef, 53, was the father of 19 children and lived in Rahat. Youssef was abducted on Oct. 7, 2023 from Kibbutz Holit while working on a barn and killed in captivity," the IDF wrote. "In addition, as part of the operation, findings were located related to Youssef's son, Hamza Ziyadne, who was also abducted on October 7, which raise serious concerns for his life. The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and will continue to operate in order to bring back our remaining hostages held in Hamas captivity."

Yesterday, the IDF and ISA located and recovered the body of the hostage Youssef Ziyadne from an underground tunnel in the area of Rafah in Gaza, and returned his body to Israel.

Youssef, 53, was the father of 19 children and lived in Rahat. Youssef was abducted on Oct. 7, 2023… pic.twitter.com/0WK6kl80Ks
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 8, 2025

The Al-Ziyadnah family are part of the Bedouin Muslim-Arab community that lives in southern Israel’s Negev desert.
Al-Ziyadnah and three of his children – Hamza, Bilal, and Aysha – were taken from Kibbutz Holit in southwest Israel, where they used to work. Bilal and Aysha were among the dozens of hostages returned in the short-lived ceasefire deal in November 2023.
Hamza’s fate remains unknown.
Israeli authorities believe there are now 99 hostages being held in Gaza, most of whom were taken during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, cross-border attacks, in which more than 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage.
Of the hostages remaining in captivity in Gaza, dozens are believed to be dead. (CNN)