Second American-Israeli Murdered in Hamas Captivity

Latest Developments

A second American-Israeli kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 has been declared dead in Gaza captivity. Kibbutz Nir Oz announced on December 28 that Judy Weinstein-Haggai had been murdered by her Palestinian terrorist captors. Weinstein-Haggai, 70, and her husband, fellow American-Israeli Gad Haggai, 73, were seized by armed Hamas infiltrators during a morning walk in the kibbutz. In a final message to friends, she said she and Gad had both been shot and wounded.

Israeli authorities declared Gad dead in absentia on December 22, prompting a message of sympathy from President Biden. Around six other U.S. dual nationals are believed to be among the 129 people still in Gaza captivity. Of the remaining hostages, Weinstein-Haggai is the 23rd declared dead.

Expert Analysis

“President Biden issued an unusually terse statement after he spoke to the emir of Qatar on December 26 about the fate of the American and other hostages held by Doha’s Hamas partners. One hopes he read the emir the riot act. Americans are dying in Gaza dungeons, and every minute of captivity that passes not only endangers those still alive: It also bleeds U.S. credibility on the global stage.” — Mark Dubowitz, FDD CEO

“The illusory portrayal of Hamas as so-called resistance fighters, embraced by its supporters from various countries, including those in the West, has become increasingly untenable in the wake of yet another tragic incident involving the senseless murder of an innocent American hostage. It is imperative for those backing this organization to recognize that Hamas’s espoused values do not align with the aspirations of Palestinians, but rather endorse a reprehensible agenda driven by genocidal terrorism.” — Joe Truzman, Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

“Israeli American Dies in Hamas Captivity,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hamas Rejects Israel’s Offer for Second Humanitarian Pause,” FDD Flash Brief

“Red Cross President Calls on Hamas to Release Hostages,” FDD Flash Brief

“Qatar’s Leverage on Hamas Falters, Hostages Remain,” FDD Flash Brief