Israel Recovers Hostage Bodies Amid Gaza Tensions

Israeli military recovered the bodies of six hostages in southern Gaza, killed shortly before rescue forces arrived. Amid ongoing conflict and a polio vaccination drive, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faces pressure to negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas. The deaths have sparked protests and international attention, including from U.S. President Biden.

On Sunday, the Israeli military announced the recovery of the bodies of six hostages in southern Gaza, believed to have been killed shortly before troops arrived. The bodies were found in a tunnel in Rafah, as polio vaccinations began in the war-torn region and violence escalated in the West Bank.

Military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari identified the recovered hostages as Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Ori Danino. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed justice, stating, 'Whoever murders hostages does not want a deal.'

In reaction, Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri blamed Netanyahu for the deaths due to a lack of a ceasefire agreement. With 250 hostages captured in the conflict, the deaths inflame ongoing protests demanding a resolution. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed outrage and continued efforts for a ceasefire.

(With inputs from agencies.)