Israeli forces found the body of Aviv Atzili last week during operations across southern Gaza. The 49-year-old reservist worked as part of Kibbutz Nir Oz civil defense team before his death. Hamas fighters killed Atzili on October 7, 2023 when they attacked Israeli communities near the Gaza border. Palestinian Islamic Jihad members took his body into Gaza after the deadly assault. Military teams recovered Atzili from Khan Younis during a larger mission that also brought back another victim.
The recovery effort also located Yair Yaakov who died during the same October 7 attacks at Nir Oz. Both men lost their lives when militant groups launched coordinated strikes against border settlements. Israeli officials confirmed both bodies came back through military operations across the Gaza Strip. The October 7 assault marked one of the deadliest days for Israeli civilians near Gaza. Recovery missions continue as forces search for other victims taken during the attacks.
The recovery effort also located Yair Yaakov who died during the same October 7 attacks at Nir Oz. Both men lost their lives when militant groups launched coordinated strikes against border settlements. Israeli officials confirmed both bodies came back through military operations across the Gaza Strip. The October 7 assault marked one of the deadliest days for Israeli civilians near Gaza. Recovery missions continue as forces search for other victims taken during the attacks.
