Canadian Hostage Among Two Found Dead in Gaza

Canadian-Israeli Hostage Among Two Found Dead in Gaza; Israel Vows to Bring Captives Home Gaza Strip, Palestine – In a somber update following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, Israeli authorities announced the recovery of the bodies of two hostages, including Canadian-Israeli citizen Judi Weinstein. Weinstein, 70, and her husband, an Israeli-American, were among those taken hostage during the devastating assault on Kibbutz near Awaz. The Israeli government confirmed the recovery overnight, bringing a tragic end to a chapter of uncertainty for Weinstein's family and the Canadian government. "Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the dear families," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a social media post. "The heart grieves for the most terrible loss. May their memory be blessed... We will not rest or be silent until we bring all our captives home – the living and the dead alike." Weinstein's death marks the end of the search for the last Canadian hostage held by Hamas. She had moved to Toronto at age three, and returned to Israel as a kibbutz volunteer, settling there with her family. Her story highlights the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the international implications of the Hamas attacks. The recovery of the bodies, while tragic, offers some measure of closure for the families and underscores the Israeli government's commitment to recovering all hostages.