Devastation in Gaza as Israel wages war on Hamas: Live updates

12:45 p.m. ET, May 17, 2024

Israeli officials respond to the recovery of the bodies of three Israeli hostages in Gaza

By CNN's Eugenia Yosef

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant: “Thanks to the IDF and Shin Bet forces who brought the bodies of Yitzhak Gelernter, Shani Louk and the late Amit Buskila from Hamas captivity in Gaza to a grave in Israel. The return of all our hostages was and remains our highest moral duty and a war goal. I share the families' deep sadness. May her memory be a blessing.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir: “The heart hurts and aches. Shani, Yitzhak and Amit – may God avenge your blood.”

Foreign Minister Israel Katz: “Hearts are torn upon hearing the difficult news of the deaths of Amit Buskila, Shani Luke and the late Yitzchak Gelernter, who were murdered at the Nova party and whose bodies were found in Gaza and brought back to Israel. I send my condolences and a big hug to the families and thank the security forces for this complex and very important operation. May her memory be blessed.

President Isaac Herzog: “My condolences go out to the grieving and tormented families of hostages Itzhak Gelerenter, Amit Buskila and Shani Louk, whose bodies were rescued from Gaza and will be brought to eternal rest in Israel. My thanks go to the IDF, the Shin Bet and the security forces for their tireless efforts, as we all hope and pray for the speedy return of all other hostages. May the memory of those we lost be blessed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “This terrible loss is heartbreaking. My wife Sara and I mourn with the families; our whole hearts are with them in this hour of great sadness. We will return all of our hostages, the living and the dead alike. I praise our brave forces whose decisive actions have brought the sons and daughters back to their own frontier.”

War cabinet member Benny Gantz: “On this difficult evening, I would like to hug and express my condolences to the families of Shani Louk, Amit Buskila and Yitzhak Gelernter, may their memory be blessed, and I would like to thank the IDF soldiers and security forces who were involved in the planning and execution, extend my greetings to the rescue operation. We do not forget for a second our highest obligation to return all hostages.”

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett: “Shani, Yitzhak and Amit, may their memory be a blessing. Look at her kind eyes. What was their sin? Living as Jews in your own country? They were murdered by monsters poisoned by hatred of Jews. We are surrounded by a poisoned enemy, and only through unity and a firm outward stance can we defeat this enemy. The people of Israel all mourn with their families.”