The body of hostage Itay Svirsky, who was kidnapped on October 7, has been recovered from the Gaza Strip, it was cleared for publication Wednesday evening.
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit stated, "It has been cleared for publication that during an ISA operation supported by the IDF, the body of Israeli hostage Itay Svirski was recovered from the Gaza Strip and returned to Israel for burial."
"Itay, a resident of Kibbutz Be’eri, was abducted by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7th, 2023, was murdered in captivity by his captors, and his body was held hostage in the Gaza Strip," the statement continued.
"Alongside the operational efforts, the Hostages and Missing Persons Unit within the IDF's Manpower Directorate, responsible for supporting the families of hostages, operated alongside the Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Israel Police throughout the identification process. ISA and IDF representatives delivered the news to the family earlier today," the IDF added.
"The ISA, the IDF, and additional Israeli security forces extend their deepest condolences to the family and will continue to work tirelessly to bring all the hostages home," the IDF said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement saying that "The body of Itay Svirsky of blessed memory – who was taken hostage on 7 October 2023 at Kibbutz Be'eri and murdered in captivity by Hamas terrorists in January 2024 – has been recovered in a special operation.
"The heart breaks at the heavy loss of the Svirsky family, which also lost Itay's parents, Orit and Rafi of blessed memory, who were murdered in Hamas's deadly attack. Yesterday I met with ISA personnel and I would like to express deep appreciation to them and to the IDF, for their brave operation to recover Itay's body. We will continue to take determined and relentless action to return all of our hostages, the living and the deceased," Netanyahu said.
President Isaac Herzog commented: "Our hearts this evening, are with the family of Itay Svirsky, whose body was recovered in a complex and courageous operation by the IDF, the Shin Bet, and the security forces. Michal and I had the privilege of knowing Itay’s parents, Orit and Rafi, who were brutally murdered on October 7.
"Out of this deep pain and sorrow, I hope the family will find comfort in the ability to lay Itay to rest with dignity, granting him eternal peace. In this difficult time, I extend our condolences to Merav, Yonatan, and Yuval, Itay's siblings, to the family, and to the community of Be'eri. "
He added: "I reiterate my urgent call to act swiftly for the return of all the hostages. It is our moral and ethical duty to bring our brothers and sisters home."
The Hostage Families Forum stated, "Returning Itay's body for proper burial in Israel provides crucial closure for his family. However, families are still waiting for their loved ones after 425 days in captivity. Many hostages remain alive but in grave danger, requiring immediate release for urgent medical care and rehabilitation. Others must be returned for a dignified burial. The time has come to bring all 100 hostages home."
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, "I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of the late Itay Svirsky, a member of Kibbutz Be'eri, who was kidnapped on October 7 and brutally murdered by the terrorist organization Hamas. Itay's parents, Orit Rafi, were also murdered in the terrible massacre of October 7."
"The security forces made tremendous efforts to return them to their eternal rest in the land of Israel in a special operation during which they risked their lives - and they will continue to act with determination to return all the hostages to their homes and to their families. We will not be silent until justice is done and the hostages, the living and those who are not among the living, return to us. My heart goes out to the Svirsky family at this difficult time," said Minister Katz.
Itay, 38, was a resident of Tel Aviv. He was kidnapped from Kibbutz Be'eri, where he was visiting his family. His parents, Orit and Rafi Svirsky, were murdered during the massacre in the kibbutz on October 7, 2023.
Kibbutz Be'eri announced Itay's death in January. Fellow hostage Yossi Sharabi was also confirmed to have been killed in the same announcement.
"Kibbutz Be'eri mourns the death of our beloved member Itay Svirsky kidnapped on October 7th to Gaza, the announcement stated. "We share in the profound grief of the Svirsky family. This loss is immeasurable for the families. Everything must be done to bring the living home safely and the murdered for proper burial."