ISRAELI SOLDIERS DISCOVER AND RETRIEVE BODIES OF HOSTAGES FROM GAZA

Israeli soldiers have discovered and brought back to Israel the bodies of three hostages who were seized by Hamas terrorists on October 7, as reported by the Israel Defense Forces' press service.

According to Israeli intelligence assessments, they were murdered on the same day as the attack on participants and guests of a music festival in southern Israel. The bodies were identified through intelligence data processing by the "Shin Bet" security agency on the night of May 17. The remains have been identified, and the families of the deceased have been informed about the development.

It is believed that Palestinian militant groups are still holding onto several dozen bodies of people killed on October 7 in the Gaza Strip. Military operations have reportedly intensified in the Gaza area, according to Arab media, between IDF forces and militants from Palestinian armed groups.

On the previous day, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced the need to transfer more military units to the Rafah region and to intensify operations there. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the ground assault on Rafah is a key component of the dismantling of the Hamas movement.

On May 17, it was reported that Israeli naval forces had targeted Rafah. The armed wing of Hamas, the "Izz ad-Din al-Qassam" Brigades, claimed to have fired mortars at Israeli soldiers at the Rafah crossing that they had seized the previous week.

Fighting has continued in northern Gaza and around the "Jabalia" refugee camp. Local residents reported that the IDF has used helicopters to strike artillery positions.

Alongside military operations, Israeli authorities continue consultations on the potential resumption of negotiations with Hamas and discussions regarding a ceasefire. The Israeli military cabinet is expected to convene this Saturday to discuss this matter.

Additionally, Israeli leaders plan to discuss the anticipated visit of U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who is expected in Israel amid concerns from Washington regarding Israel's further military plans in Rafah. During a telephone conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that ensuring the safety of civilians and access to humanitarian aid is critically necessary before large-scale operations commence in Rafah.

In Europe, certain countries have adopted a tougher stance on Israel's actions in Gaza compared to the U.S. Reports indicate that a group of EU countries plans to announce a decision on recognizing a Palestinian state soon. The initiative, led by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, announced on Friday that he does not intend to act alone but rather in collaboration with authorities from other countries. Furthermore, he stated that media reports suggesting Palestinian recognition is expected on May 21 are not accurate.