Israel’s military said Friday it has retrieved the bodies of two hostages from the Gaza Strip, including 56-year-old Ilan Weiss, who was abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 assault. The remains were returned to Israel along with personal belongings linked to a second victim whose identity has not yet been released. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said roughly 50 people seized in 2023 are still held in Gaza, about 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Officials vowed to continue military action until all captives are brought home, dead or alive. The recovery coincided with the Israel Defense Forces’ announcement that it has begun preliminary ground operations and the “initial stages” of a wider assault on Gaza City. The army suspended previously declared midday pauses that had allowed humanitarian convoys into the city, describing the area as a “dangerous combat zone.” Gaza City has been a focal point of Israel’s 22-month campaign to dismantle Hamas, which Israel says operates a network of tunnels beneath the enclave. Aid agencies warn that an expanded offensive could worsen an already severe humanitarian crisis and displace more residents.