The last missing person from the Hamas attack on Israel 10 months ago has been identified as killed, Israeli authorities announced today. Bilha Yinon, 75, was tragically murdered along with her husband, Yaakov, at their home in Netiv Haasara during the violent attack that took place on October 7th.
The Yinons’ home was completely destroyed in the attack, and while Yaakov’s remains were recovered, there was initially no sign of Bilha. Despite extensive searches, her DNA could not be found in the ash and debris of their home. However, after complex testing of evidence in the area, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have now confirmed that Bilha was indeed killed in the attack.
The couple’s children had long believed that their mother had perished on the day of the invasion, but her death has only now been officially declared based on new findings. Bilha and Yaakov were together in their home on the border with Gaza when the attack occurred, with their daughter Maayan recalling her father’s last message saying they were in a safe room amidst the chaos.
Maoz Yinon, one of the couple’s sons, expressed that his parents did not die in vain and believed they died for peace. He shared his belief that his mother would be proud of the family’s efforts to promote peace and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.
The Hamas attack, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 251 others, sparked a significant Israeli military response and ongoing conflict. The toll on both sides has been devastating, with over 39,600 Palestinians reportedly killed in the Israeli campaign according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
