On Friday, the Israeli army announced the death of Orion Hernandez-Radoux, who was kidnapped during the Tribe of Nova festival on October 7. He was one of three French hostages still being held captive by Hamas. In response to the news of Hernandez’s death, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. Macron also affirmed France’s commitment to securing the release of all the hostages.
Two other French individuals, Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi, are still believed to be in Hamas custody. On October 7th, three members of the Kalderon family were abducted near the Gaza Strip: father Ofer and his two children Erez and Sahar. While Sahar and Erez were released as part of a ceasefire agreement in late November, Ofer remains captive. Ofer’s ex-wife described him as a caring father who instilled good values in his children and had a passion for mountain biking.
Ohad Yahalomi was also kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his son Eitan, who was eventually released after 52 days in captivity. Ohad reportedly tried to protect his family during the abduction but was shot in the process. No updates have been received about Ohad’s status since videos were released by Hamas showing him in captivity.
The Israeli army has confirmed that they have recovered the bodies of three hostages who have been held captive in Gaza since October 7th attack by Hamas on Israelis following an attack on their border post which resulted in over 1100 casualties on their side with many civilians among them. Israel retaliated with a military operation resulting in deaths of around 36000 people mostly civilians. Of the 252 hostages taken on October 7th, only 130 have been released while 121 are still being held captive with 37 confirmed dead by Israeli authorities
