Hostage Yair Yaakov’s Remains Recovered by IDF ‘I Knew This Day Would Come,’ Says Son

In a heartbreaking development that offers some measure of closure, the IDF has recovered the body of hostage Yair Yaakov from the Gaza Strip. His son, Yagil, 14, shared the news on Instagram Wednesday night, expressing both sorrow and gratitude to Israel’s security forces.

Yaakov, 59, a father of three from Kibbutz Nir Oz, was abducted by Hamas terrorists during the brutal October 7 invasion and massacre. According to Israeli security officials, he was likely murdered that very day, and his body was later taken into Gaza. His remains were located in the Khan Yunis area, following intelligence provided by the Shin Bet after interrogating captured Gazan operatives.

The kibbutz community where Yaakov lived described him as “a humble, simple man who loved his family and music.” A lifelong agricultural worker, Yaakov had recently been employed at a garage in Kibbutz Alumim. His eldest daughter, Shir, narrowly escaped the attack after terrorists failed multiple times to breach her apartment that day.

“I’m sad to say this I’m already waiting for your funeral. I knew this day would come,” Yagil wrote. “Thank you to the IDF and Shin Bet forces for the rescue. I hope we get the rest in a deal that won’t put soldiers at risk.”

The complex operation to retrieve Yaakov’s body allowed his family to begin the painful process of mourning and burial. “This is a much-needed closure, so that we can begin to look forward,” the family said. They emphasized their hope that remaining hostages will be freed through negotiations that minimize risk to both soldiers and captives.

The Hostages Families Forum honored Yaakov’s memory in a moving statement: “Yaya, 59 at the time of his death, worked in the garage of Kibbutz Alumim. A modest man, a family lover, and connected to the land. He was always ready to help everyone. He loved to enjoy life, listen to music, and simply sit with a cold beer in the sun.” The Forum added a poignant call: “Time is running out for the hostages. We must bring everyone home, now!”

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid expressed his support, stating, “Yaakov's return is an important closing of a circle. I support the IDF forces that worked to recover him, and I embrace the family in their difficult time. May his burial in his country provide some comfort.”

Democrats Party head Yair Golan emphasized the urgency “Fifty-four of our brothers and sisters are still captive in Gaza. Twenty of them are alive, and every minute is a nightmare for them and their relatives. We must end the war and bring everyone back now.”

Yaakov’s recovery is a sobering reminder of the horrors inflicted on Israeli civilians during Hamas’s October 7 assault. Yet it also reflects Israel’s steadfast determination to bring every citizen living or deceased home from captivity. The mission to secure the release of the remaining hostages continues as a top national priority.

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