The Israeli military confirmed Thursday that it had recovered the bodies of two Israeli captives during an operation in the Gaza Strip.
The victims were identified as 72-year-old Gadi Haggai and his 70-year-old wife Judih Weinstein.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement: "Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I convey our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. Our hearts grieve over this terrible loss. May their memories be blessed."
The Israeli military said in a statement that the bodies were recovered in a joint special operation with the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency in the area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
A statement from the Israeli kibbutz Nir Oz, where the couple lived, said they had been brought back to the settlement and would now be buried.
