The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recently announced that the body of a hostage named Ron Benjamin, along with the remains of three other hostages, has been found in the Gaza Strip. The four were abducted during a Hamas attack on October 7 last year.

Ron Benjamin, 53, was participating in a group bicycle ride near the Gaza border when the attack occurred. According to military sources, he was killed at the Mefasim crossroads and his body was later transported to Gaza by Hamas militants. Military spokesperson Major General Daniel Hagari stated that military intelligence indicates that Benjamin was killed on the day of the attack.

The bodies of three other hostages – Shani Louk, Amit Buskila, and Itzhak Gelerenter – were also discovered. These three victims were killed at a crossroads near the massacre site in southern Israel during the November festival and their bodies were subsequently taken to Gaza.

Shani Louk, a German-Israeli citizen, was attending a music festival near the Reim kibbutz when the attack occurred. Her mother confirmed her death after Israeli military found a piece of her skull. Amit Buskila, a fashion stylist and social media influencer, called her uncle while trying to hide during the attack. Itzhak Gelerenter, a father and grandfather, had arrived at the festival just hours before the attack began.

The IDF stated that this discovery brings closure to the victims’ families but also underscores the severity of Hamas’ atrocities. Hamas has not yet responded to the latest statement from the IDF, but they have previously stated that the captured hostages will only be returned through a “glorious exchange deal for our people.”

Currently, long-term negotiations in Cairo aimed at securing a ceasefire and the further release of hostages have stalled. Israel has vowed to continue searching for the remaining hostages and urged Hamas to release them. Meanwhile, the international community has called for both sides to exercise restraint and avoid further escalating tensions.