IDF recovers body of slain hostage Yair Yaakov from Gaza

Yaakov was murdered and abducted during the October 7 massacre. His sons, also taken hostage, were released in a November 2023 deal.

By David Brummer, World Israel News

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) have recovered the body of Yair (Yaya) Yaakov, 59, an Israeli hostage abducted and murdered by Hamas terrorists during the October 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz.

His body was discovered in the Khan Yunis area and was returned to Israel on Wednesday along with that of another hostage, whose identity has not yet been publicly released.

Yaakov’s son, Or, who was also abducted and later released in a hostage deal, responded on social media: “Dad, I love you. I still don’t know how to react. I’m waiting for your funeral… I knew this day would come. Thank you to the IDF and Shin Bet for the recovery. I hope the rest will come home through a deal that doesn’t endanger soldiers.”

Yaakov was among the many civilians violently taken from their homes during the massacre.

On the morning of the attack, his partner, Merav, managed to contact relatives to report that terrorists had stormed their home, opened fire, and wounded Yair.

The attackers recorded the ordeal from the moment they entered the home to the family’s abduction.

Yair was eventually separated from Merav and their two sons, 16-year-old Or and 12-year-old Yagil.

All three were released in November 2023 as part of a hostage agreement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the operation, offering condolences to the families and commending the forces involved.

“Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost their most precious loved ones. I thank the soldiers and commanders for yet another successful execution of the sacred mission to bring our hostages home. We will not rest or be silent until we bring all our hostages home — both the living and the fallen,” he said.

According to Israeli authorities, 54 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, with only 20 believed to be alive.