The IDF recovered the body of hostage Yair Yaakov from the Gaza Strip, his son Yagil, 14, revealed on Instagram on Wednesday night.

Kibbutz Nir Oz announced in February 2024 that Yaakov was murdered in Hamas captivity. His body was discovered in the Khan Yunis area and was made possible following information provided by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) after interrogating Gazan detainees. After Yaakov's body was retrieved, the kibbutz said he was a "humble, simple man, who loved his family and music. He worked in agriculture all his life and, in recent years, worked in a garage in Kibbutz Alumim.

Yaakov, 59, a father of three, was kidnapped alongside his partner, Merav Tal and two of his sons, including Yagil. He was believed to have been murdered on October 7, with his body taken into the Gaza Strip. His eldest daughter, Shir, 22, was miraculously saved when terrorists failed to break into her apartment on the kibbutz six times.

Yagil's post on Instagram on his father

 “I’m sad to say this – I’m already waiting for your funeral. I knew this day would come,” Yagil said on Instagram. “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.”

A building is demolished to make way for the rebuilding and renewal of Kibbutz Nir Oz, following the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, in Kibbutz Nir Oz, southern Israel, December 12, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/STOYAN NENOV)
A building is demolished to make way for the rebuilding and renewal of Kibbutz Nir Oz, following the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, in Kibbutz Nir Oz, southern Israel, December 12, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/STOYAN NENOV)
After his body was recovered, Yaakov was identified at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, Maariv reported.

"This is a much-needed closure, so that we can begin to look forward," the Yaakov family said. "We thank from the bottom of our hearts the security forces and the brave soldiers who took part in the complex rescue operation. However, we reiterate our position - the lives of soldiers should not be at stake. The hostages must be returned in a deal that prevents further danger to the soldiers or the captives."

In a social media post, the Hostages Families Forum wrote, "Yaya [Yair], 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 Hostages Families Forum mourns and bows its head in memory of Yaya and shares in the heavy sorrow of the Yaakov family."

"Time is running out for the hostages. We must bring everyone home, now!" the Forum wrote. 

Reactions to Yaakov's recovery

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said that 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 said "54 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,"

Walla contributed to this report. This is a developing story.