Two more hostages recovered by Israeli forces in Gaza, Netanyahu says
11 June 2025, 23:51
The bodies of two Israeli hostages have been recovered by Israeli security forces operating in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.
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One of the hostages named was Yair (Yaya) Yaakov, 59, who was killed inside his home by Hamas during the October 7 attacks.
Two of the father-of-three's children, Or and Yagil, abducted that day along with his partner Meirav Tal.
They were freed released in November 2023 following a Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal.
The name of the other male hostage had not yet been released, Mr Netanyahu said.
However, his family has reportedly been informed.
Read more: UK sanctions two far-right Israeli ministers as it ramps up pressure over Gaza
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It is believed 53 hostages remain under Hamas's captivity in Gaza. At least 20 are thought to be alive.
Speaking today in the House of Commons, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “We will continue to support all efforts to secure a ceasefire, the release of all hostages despicably held by Hamas and the humanitarian aid that needs to surge in.“
The bodies of the hostages were recovered in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza, according to Israel's Defence Force (IDF).
It added that "precise intelligence" from its Hostage Task Force, the Intelligence Directorate, and Shin Bet security forces helped with the recovery.
The October 2023 assault saw 1,200 people killed while the war that followed has led to the deaths of more than 52,000 Palestinians.
Hamas took 251 hostages during the October 7 attack.
Meanwhile, the death toll in Gaza has hit 55,000, according to estimates from Gaza health officials.
A humanitarian crisis in the territory continues to spiral out of control.
An Israeli and US-backed group paused food deliveries at its three distribution sites in the Gaza Strip last week after health officials said dozens of Palestinians were killed in a series of shootings near the locations.
This week, the UK sanctioned two Israeli government ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
Mr Ben-Gvir, the security minister, and Mr Smotrich, the finance minister in Mr Netanyahu’s coalition government will both face a travel ban and see their assets frozen.
The move comes as the UK and other Western nations seek to ramp up pressure on Israel’s government amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
Israel’s foreign affairs minister Gideon Sa’ar said it was “outrageous that elected representatives and members of the government are subjected to these kind of measures”.
Speaking in the House of Commons today, Sir Keir Starmer said: “Acting alongside our allies, we have sanctioned individuals responsible for inciting appalling settler violence and expansion.
“We’ve done that to uphold human rights and defend the prospect of a two-state solution.“We will continue to support all efforts to secure a ceasefire, the release of all hostages despicably held by Hamas and the humanitarian aid that needs to surge in.
“This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others, in addition to my duties in this House. I shall have further such meetings today.”
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