The IDF confirmed the recovery of 28-year-old hostage Idan Shtivi’s body from Gaza, nearly two years after Hamas abducted and murdered him during the October 7 Nova Festival massacre.
The IDF announced late Saturday that the second hostage body recovered this week is that of Idan Shtivi, a 28-year-old student abducted by Hamas from the Tel Gama area on October 7, 2023.
According to the IDF, the complex rescue operation was carried out in Gaza by Southern Command forces, the ISA, and special units, relying on precise intelligence from the Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters. Shtivi’s body was recovered alongside that of Ilan Weiss, 55, who was killed defending Kibbutz Be’eri.
Shtivi was remembered as a selfless hero. On October 7, he arrived at the Nova music festival to photograph friends performing. When the Hamas assault began, he helped others escape, including a young couple he had just met. In the process, he was captured and brutally murdered, with his body taken into Gaza.
The Hostages Families Forum described Idan as deeply connected to animals, devoted to his studies in sustainability and government at Reichman University, and someone who “always put others first.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Shtivi “a brave person who acted to save many fellow participants and was murdered in the process,” extending condolences to his family.
President Isaac Herzog praised Shtivi’s heroism:
“He was murdered while helping others flee the terrorist onslaught, and his body was held hostage in Gaza. These moments of sorrow remind us of one truth: Hamas’ crimes are crimes against humanity. The world must act with moral clarity.”
The IDF said 207 hostages have now been returned—148 alive—while efforts continue to bring every last hostage, living or deceased, home.
The Hostages Families Forum expressed both grief and relief:
“After 694 days of agonizing waiting, Idan has been brought home. His return brings painful closure, but also a reminder that bringing home all hostages is the only path to national healing.”
Shtivi is survived by his parents Eli and Dalit, his siblings Omri, Hila, and Ilin, and his partner Stav.
