IDF confirms hostage Hamzah Zayadni killed in Gaza captivity

Hamzah al-Zayadni, 23, who was held hostage in the Gaza Strip, was killed in Hamas captivity, the military and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) announced on Friday, following the completion of an examination by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Israel Police,

IDF representatives notified the Zayadni family that their son had been killed, the military said. 

IDF troops found the bodies of Youssef al-Zayadni and his son Hamzah in a tunnel in the area of Rafah in southern Gaza and returned them to Israel.

They were both taken hostage alive from Holit on October 7, 2023 and were killed in Hamas captivity, the IDF said.

"Zayadni was a nature lover who had a deep affection for animals and was beloved by his friends," the Hostages and Missing Families Forum noted following the announcement. 

Zayadni left behind a wife and two children. 

Forum calls for hostage deal to be achieved

Our hearts break once again upon receiving news of Hamzah al-Zayadni's murder in Hamas captivity. The lengthy identification process is painful evidence of the urgency needed in returning the deceased for burial," the forum asserted.

"Four family members were kidnapped, with only two returning alive. Youssef and Hamzah, who survived a period in the hell of Gaza captivity, could have been saved through an earlier agreement."

The Forum further called for a hostage deal to be achieved. "The time and conditions are ripe for all the hostages to return - bringing the living home for rehabilitation and the deceased for proper burial. The negotiations must be expedited to secure an immediate deal for their return. This historic window of opportunity stands before us and must not be lost."