Israel identifies fourth hostage recovered from Gaza

Israel previously recovered bodies of 3 hostages from music festival
The IDF says they were killed in the attack and their bodies taken to Gaza
Other hostages identified as Shani Louk, Amit Buskila and Itzik Gelerenter

Updated: May 19, 2024 / 03:43 PM CDT

(NewsNation) — The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) recovered the remains of Ron Benjamin, a hostage killed during the October 7th attacks.

According to an IDF statement, Benjamin’s body was abducted to Gaza by Hamas militants after he was killed in the attack at the Mefalsim intersection last year.

His remains were retrieved along with those of Yitzhak Gelernter, Shani Louk, and Amit Buskila based on intelligence obtained from interrogating captured militants and the IDF’s Hostage Department.

After identification by forensics officials, the IDF notified Benjamin’s family of his death Saturday. “The IDF and ISA send their heartfelt condolences to the family,” the statement reads.

In a separate statement, the Hostages Families Forum mourned Benjamin’s death but said recovering his body allows him to be laid to rest in Israel. The group urged the government to prioritize negotiations for the release of the 128 remaining hostages.

Benjamin, 53, was a married father of two who loved cycling, travel, and music, the statement said. He was abducted during a bike ride near Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7th.