Israeli security forces announced on Wednesday that they had retrieved the remains of two people held captive in Gaza, among them was Yair (Yaya) Yaakov, who had been killed during the October 7 Hamas attack and taken into Gaza. The second victim has yet to be publicly identified, though the family has been notified. According to official estimates, 54 hostages are still being held by Hamas, with 20 of them believed to be alive.
Yair’s son, Or, who was also kidnapped during the attack and later released, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. “Dad, I love you. I still don’t know how to react, I’m sad to say. I’m waiting for your funeral. I love you, I knew this day would come. Thank you to the IDF and Shin Bet forces for the recovery. I hope the rest of the hostages will be brought back with a deal so soldiers aren’t endangered.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation following the announcement, acknowledging the efforts of Israeli forces in recovering the two bodies. “In an operation carried out by the IDF and the Shin Bet in the Gaza Strip, the bodies of two of our hostages were returned to Israel — Yair Yaakov, of blessed memory, and another hostage whose name has not yet been cleared for publication (his family has been notified). Yair Yaakov was murdered and abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz by Islamic Jihad on October 7, 2023. Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost their most precious loved ones. I thank the soldiers and commanders for yet another successful execution of the sacred mission to bring our hostages home. We will not rest or be silent until we bring all our hostages home — both the living and the fallen,” he said.
Yair Yaakov, known as Yaya, lived in Kibbutz Nir Oz and was among those captured and slain during the deadly rampage of October 7. His life partner, Merav, and their sons Or (16) and Yagil (12) were also taken hostage that day but were later released as part of the November 2023 prisoner exchange.
On the morning of the massacre, Merav managed to alert relatives that armed terrorists had stormed their home. During the invasion, they opened fire, wounding Yair. The attackers recorded every moment — from their entry into the house to the abduction of the family. The footage reportedly shows the terrorists dragging the family from the floor, with Yair visibly injured and attempting to show them his wound. He was later separated from Merav and the boys. The house sustained heavy damage from the gunfire, marking a tragic chapter in an already devastating event.
{Matzav.com}