Israel Recovers Six Hostage Bodies from Gaza Tunnel

Israel has recovered the bodies of six hostages from a tunnel in southern Gaza. These individuals were reportedly killed shortly before Israeli troops arrived. The discovery comes as pressures mount on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire deal. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed outrage over the incident.

Israel has successfully retrieved the bodies of six hostages from a tunnel in southern Gaza, according to the military's announcement on Sunday. The victims were allegedly murdered by Hamas just before Israeli troops could rescue them, said Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari during a press briefing.

Identified as Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Ori Danino, the bodies were discovered in Rafah and have been returned to Israel. 'The heart of an entire nation is shattered,' said President Isaac Herzog, offering condolences to the families.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure to secure a ceasefire deal that would also involve the release of remaining hostages. President Joe Biden condemned the killings, noting that Goldberg-Polin held dual Israeli American citizenship. Biden vowed that Hamas leaders would be held accountable.

(With inputs from agencies.)