On June 22, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the recovery of the bodies of three Israeli hostages who had been held by Hamas for 625 days. The individuals identified were SSGT Shay Levinson, Yonatan Samerano, and Ofra Keidar. Their retrieval was part of a coordinated military operation involving the IDF and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA).
Ofra Keidar, aged 71, hailed from Kibbutz Be’eri and was a mother of three. She was previously reported as having lost her husband, Shmuel Keidar, who was killed by Hamas. Yonatan Samerano, 21 at the time of his abduction, was taken during an attack while fleeing the Nova music festival. SSGT Shay Levinson, 19, served as a tank commander and was captured during the same initial assault by Hamas.
Following the announcement, Kobi Samerano, Yonatan's father, expressed gratitude towards the IDF and the Shin Bet for the operation that led to his son's recovery, coinciding with Yonatan's Hebrew birthday. The Hostages Families Forum extended condolences to the families of the deceased and acknowledged the prolonged suffering experienced by those waiting for news of their loved ones.
The forum also emphasized the importance of recovering the remaining 50 hostages, stating that their return is crucial for national healing and recovery. They noted that achieving this goal is essential for Israel to secure a position of strength in ongoing military developments, particularly concerning regional actions involving Iran. The forum underscored that the complete return of all hostages is necessary for what they described as a "complete Israeli victory."