Israeli forces on Thursday night rescued the bodies of three hostages from the Gaza Strip, chief military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said on Friday.
Hagari identified the three as Shani Louk, Amit Buskila and Yitzhak Gelernter, who he said "were murdered by Hamas while escaping the Nova music festival on Oct. 7 and their bodies were taken into Gaza".
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the military operation on Friday and reiterated a pledge to return all the hostages.
"We will bring back all our hostages, whether they are alive or dead," he said in a statement.
Hamas led a surprise attack on southern Israeli bases and communities on Oct. 7, in which 1,200 people were killed and some 250 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Some 130 hostages remain held in Gaza.
Reporting by Henriette Chacar