May 17, 2024 Israel-Hamas war

The Israeli military announced Friday that it has recovered the bodies of three hostages from a tunnel in the Gaza Strip.

Here’s some reaction from Israel officials:

Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant: “Appreciation to the IDF and Shin Bet forces who brought the bodies of Yitzhak Gelernter, Shani Louk and the late Amit Buskila from the Hamas captivity in Gaza to a grave in Israel. The return of all our hostages was and will remain a supreme moral duty and a war goal for us. I share the heavy sorrow of the families. May their memory be a blessing.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir: ”The heart hurts and aches. Shani, Yitzhak and Amit-may God avenge your blood.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Israel Katz: ”The heart is torn when hearing the difficult news about the death of Amit Buskila, Shani Luke and the late Yitzchak Gelernter, who were murdered at the Nova party and whose bodies were found in Gaza and returned to Israel. Sending condolences and a big hug to the families and thanks to the security forces for this complex and very important operation. May their memory be blessed.” 

President Isaac Herzog: ”My heart goes out in sympathy to the grieving and tormented families of the hostages Itzhak Gelerenter, Amit Buskila and Shani Louk, whose bodies were rescued from Gaza and will be brought for eternal rest in Israel. My thanks go to the IDF, the Shin Bet and the security forces for their tireless efforts, as we all carry the hope and prayer for the speedy return of all the other hostages. May the memory of those we have lost be blessed.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “This terrible loss is heart-breaking. My wife Sara and I grieve with the families; all of our hearts are with them in their hour of heavy sorrow. We will return all of our hostages, the living and the deceased alike. I commend our brave forces whose determined action has returned the sons and daughters to their own border.”

War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz: ”On this difficult evening, I would like to hug and send my condolences to the families of Shani Louk, Amit Buskila and Yitzhak Gelernter, may their memory be blessed, and salute the IDF soldiers and the security forces who took part in the planning and execution of the rescue operation. We do not forget for one second our supreme obligation to return all the hostages.”

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett: “Shani, Yitzhak and Amit, may their memory be a blessing. Look at their kind eyes. What was their sin? Being Jews living in their own country? They were murdered by monsters poisoned by hatred of Jews. We are surrounded by a poisoned enemy, and only through unity and a firm outward stance, we will overcome this enemy. The people of Israel all share in the mourning with the families.”