IDF Operation in Gaza Recovers Body of Soldier Abducted on October 7

Latest Developments

The body of an Israeli soldier abducted during the Hamas atrocities on October 7 was recovered by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during an operation in southern Gaza. The remains of the soldier, who has not been named, were rescued and returned to Israel during an August 28 operation that jointly involved the IDF and the Shin Bet security agency. “With the recovery of the body 107 hostages remain held in Gaza, more than 50 of whom – according to estimates – are still alive,” Israel’s Ynet media reported. The recovery of the body took place one day after the IDF rescued a hostage in southern Gaza. Additionally, IDF operations in Gaza resulted in the killing of “dozens” of Hamas gunmen, among them Osama Gadallah, a Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander who was eliminated in a drone strike near the southern city of Rafah. Gadallah was the head of the Iran-backed terrorist organization’s intelligence unit and had participated in the October 7 onslaught against Israel.

Expert Analysis

“The Israel Defense Forces continues to operate in several areas of Gaza against Hamas in order to keep the pressure on the terrorist group. The IDF is fine-tuning its operations in southern and central Gaza so that civilians can return to certain areas and humanitarian aid can flow, while attempting to thwart terrorist threats.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“Israel’s recovery of a fallen soldier’s body from southern Gaza means fewer terrorists freed in a potential ceasefire agreement with Hamas. Furthermore, the operation underscores the critical role of intelligence gathered by ground forces in the field. It is improbable that Israeli troops would have been able to locate the soldier without the insights obtained from various intelligence sources on the ground.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

IDF Calls on Gaza Civilians to Return

The IDF called on Gazan civilians to return to several areas in the strip after completing an operation on the outskirts of the central city of Deir al-Balah on August 29. Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s spokesperson for Arabic language media, said in a social media post that “after operations targeting terrorist organizations in the area, the IDF allows the return to those blocks located within the humanitarian zone.”

Related Analysis

“Israel Rescues Hostage in Southern Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

“IDF Dismantles Terrorist Infrastructure in Khan Younis,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Strikes Rocket-Launching Post in Gaza Used by Hamas to Attack Tel Aviv,” FDD Flash Brief