Israel's military recovered the bodies of two hostages, Judi Weinstein-Haggai and Gad Haggai, who were held by Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.
The Israeli army said in a statement that the bodies of the husband and wife were recovered in a special operation from Khan Younis area in the Gaza Strip.
Following the recovery of two bodies, 56 hostages are still held by Hamas, with fewer than half believed to be alive, according to Israeli estimates.
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 assault in which Hamas-led gunmen killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, by Israeli tallies.
In the subsequent fighting, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed, local health authorities say.

Trump condemns, won't apologise for video with racist clip on Obamas
Search for Nancy Guthrie, missing 6 days from Arizona home, turns to new message
WHO says one person dead from Nipah virus in Bangladesh
Explosion at mosque in Pakistan's capital kills 31
Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai to be sentenced on February 9
More storms coming as Leonardo swells rivers in Spain and Portugal
Danone recalls more infant formula in Europe
UN chief calls New START treaty expiration 'grave moment'
