The IDF recovered the body of a second hostage from the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on X/Twitter Wednesday night, which was later confirmed by the IDF.

The first deceased hostage that was confirmed to have been brought back to Israel on Wednesday was Yair Yaakov, who was believed to have been murdered on October 7 and whose body was kept by Hamas terrorists in the Palestinian enclave.

The second hostage's name has not been made public yet due to the family's request, but they have been informed of the body's recovery. The name will soon be released, the IDF said.

Bodies were rescued from the Khan Yunis area

Like Yaakov, the body of the second hostage was also rescued from the Khan Yunis area, the IDF added. The body was recovered by the IDF's 36th Division in its Southern Command in a joint operation with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency).

"Our hearts are with the Nir Oz community, with the family of Yair Yaakov, and with the family of the additional hostage, whose name will be published in due course," the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said. "Alongside the pain and mourning, we feel a measure of relief knowing that the two will be laid to rest with dignity and that the unbearable suffering their loved ones have endured for 614 days may now be eased.

IDF recovers body of hostage Yair Yaakov from the Gaza Strip. (credit: SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT)
IDF recovers body of hostage Yair Yaakov from the Gaza Strip. (credit: SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT)
"We are grateful to the IDF and the security forces for returning Yair and the additional hostage. However, we cannot ignore the deep fear and anxiety surrounding the families of the remaining hostages tonight — fear that their loved ones have no more time to wait."

Netanyahu said: "Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I convey our heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost what is dearest to them."

There are 53 hostages remaining in the Gaza Strip as of Wednesday night.