(LONDON) -- The bodies of two hostages -- including Ilan Weiss, who was killed in the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas on Israel -- have been recovered, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
"The hostage families embrace the family of Ilan Weiss during this difficult time. Ilan's return fulfills the State of Israel's fundamental duty to its citizens," the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement. "Our hearts are with the family today. Alongside the grief and pain, his return provides some comfort to the family after 692 days of waiting in the nightmare of uncertainty."
Weiss was killed on Oct. 7, 2023, while his wife and daughter were kidnapped on Oct. 7, but released during the first ceasefire in November 2023.
The IDF and Israel Security Agency brought the two hostages' bodies back to Israel in a joint operation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.
The name of the second body "has yet to be released for publication," Netanyahu said. The remains are being identified at the Institute of Forensic Medicine.
"Ilan Weiss, a hero, was a member of the emergency squad at Kibbutz Be'eri," Netanyahu said in a statement.
"Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I convey our heartfelt condolences to the dear families and share in their deep sorrow. I thank our commanders and fighters for their successful action, determination and bravery. The campaign to return the hostages is ongoing. We will neither rest nor be silent until we bring all of our hostages back home, the living and the deceased," Netanyahu said.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog offered his "heartfelt condolences and support" to Weis' family calling this a moment of "deep sorrow, but also of closure."
"Ilan showed courage and noble spirit when he fought the terrorists on that dark day. In his death, he gave life. And ever since, his family has shown extraordinary strength in their struggle for his return," Herzog said in a statement.
"We wish to express our deep gratitude to the IDF and security forces who have worked and continue to work with dedication and courage," the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said. "Only by bringing home all hostages can we achieve healing and national recovery."
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