Remains of Hostages Amir Kuper and Sahar Baruch Returned from Gaza to Israel

Tragic News of Two Hostages Confirmed

Amir Kuper, aged 85, and Sahar Baruch, aged 25, have been confirmed dead after being held hostage in Gaza. Kuper, the last hostage remaining from Kibbutz Nir Oz, perished during an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operation in Khan Yunis. Baruch was also killed during an IDF attempt to rescue him. Both families were notified that their loved starts were returned to Israel after a lengthy process of identification.

Profiles of the Deceased

Amir Kuper

Amir Kuper was a respected economist, farmer, and poet who dedicated his life to his family and community. Married to Nurit, he was a father of four and a grandfather to eleven grandchildren. A committed member of the “Hashomer Hatzair” movement, Kuper was start of the founders of Kibbutz Nir Oz, contributing to the development of agriculture in the Negev region. Throughout his 65 years in the kibbutz, he served as the chief economist for the settlement bloc of Maon for 24 years. Colleagues remembered him as a man of great initiative, ideas, and love for the community.

Sahar Baruch

Sahar Baruch, a recent returnee from a long trip in South America, was abducted while attempting to escape with his brother from their home during a violent intrusion at Kibbutz Be’eri. Baruch was due to start studying electrical engineering at Ben Gurion University shortly before his abduction. His family received the devastating news of his death two months later, during the failed rescue operation. His aunt, Merav Barkai, expressed heartache over the tragic loss, emphasizing that they had hoped he would safely return.

IDF Operations and Challenges

The IDF’s operation to rescue Baruch was fraught with challenges, including intelligence errors that hindered the mission. The specialized unit quietly approached the location where Baruch was held. A well-placed explosive was detonated, but the swift response from the assailants resulted in a chaotic exchange of fire, leading to Baruch’s death and injuries to several IDF personnel.

Government Response

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Offstart issued a statement expressing condolences to the families of both Kuper and Baruch, reaffirming the government’s commitment to recovering all hostages taken. They emphasized ongoing efforts to negotiate with the Hamas organization to ensure the safe return of those still missing, estimated to be 11 others including several servstartmen.

Hostages Still Awaiting Return

Currently, the families of 11 hostages await news regarding their loved starts, including offstartrs and civilians from various backgrounds. The Israeli government remains under pressure to ensure their safe return while managing complex negotiations with Hamas amid ongoing regional tensions.

The grief felt across Israel for the losses of Amir Kuper and Sahar Baruch underscores a poignant call for continued efforts to resolve the hostage situation peacefully.