The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Saturday that it has discovered “a number of bodies” during combat operations in Gaza. The military issued a statement Saturday evening, cautioning against spreading rumors as the process of extracting and identifying the bodies is expected to take several hours.
President Joe Biden, speaking to the press in Delaware after evening Mass, confirmed that his staff has been in contact with Israeli authorities regarding the discovery. “They’ve discovered bodies in Gaza. They’re not sure the exact number,” Biden said. He emphasized the need to identify the bodies and notify families before releasing any further details.
Biden also used the opportunity to call for an end to the ongoing conflict, stating, “It’s time this war ended. We should end this war. I think we’re on the verge of having an agreement.”
The Hostage and Missing Families Forum responded to the news with criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating on social media platform X, “Netanyahu abandoned the abductees! This is now a fact.” The group announced plans for public demonstrations, saying, “Starting tomorrow the country will tremble. We call on the public to prepare. We are blocking the country.”
This development comes as Netanyahu faces increasing pressure both domestically and internationally to reach a cease-fire agreement with Hamas that would secure the release of hostages and end the fighting in Gaza. Since Hamas’s October 7 attack, over 1,200 people were killed in Israel and approximately 250 taken hostage. Gaza health officials report more than 40,000 Palestinian deaths in Israel’s subsequent military offensive.
As of now, an estimated 104 hostages remain in Hamas custody. The ongoing situation has sparked protests and anger within Israeli society, with many calling for Netanyahu to prioritize a cease-fire agreement to bring the hostages home.
The IDF’s discovery has led to speculation in some Israeli news outlets about the possibility of the bodies being those of hostages, though this remains unconfirmed as the identification process continues.
Source:nbcnews.com
