Board of Deputies President Phil Rosenberg has reacted to news that the bodies of two hostages were returned to Israel last night.
Phil said: “The bodies of hostages Judy Weinstein-Hagai z”l and Gadi Hagai z”l were brought back to Israel from Gaza in a military operation last night.
“The couple, in their 70s, were murdered by Palestinian terrorists Kata’ib al-Mujahiddin when out for a morning walk on 7 October 2023 and their bodies taken to Gaza as bargaining chips.
“Our hearts go out to their families and their Kibbutz community of Nir Oz. While nothing can replace these two wonderful people, we hope the return of their bodies for burial today gives a measure of closure to their loved ones.
“It is a reminder of the senseless atrocity perpetrated by Hamas which started this terrible war.
“Fifty-six hostages remain in Gaza – up to 20 of whom are believed to be alive. The international community must not let up the pressure on Hamas to release them all. We will not stop campaigning until every one of them is home.”