American citizen Judih Weinstein Haggai, who was initially believed to have been kidnapped by Hamas during their invasion of Israel on October 7, was actually killed in the attack, according to a statement released by U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday. This tragic news comes just a week after it was announced that her husband, Gad Haggai, was also killed by Hamas on the same day. The couple, both in their 70s, were residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz.

The attack on October 7 resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of 240 hostages, according to Israeli data. In response to the Hamas attack, Israel launched a bombardment of Gaza, which has claimed the lives of over 21,000 people, as reported by the Health Ministry in Gaza.

During a brief truce in late November, 110 hostages were released by Hamas, and another 23 have been declared dead in absentia, according to an Israeli government spokesperson. Tragically, three of the hostages were accidentally killed by the Israeli military. Yotam Haim, Samar Talalka, and Alon Lulu Shamriz, all Israeli citizens, were mistakenly shot and killed by Israeli troops in Gaza on December 15. The military stated that the soldiers misinterpreted their cries for help as a ploy by Hamas to draw them into an ambush. The soldiers involved in the incident will not face dismissal or trial, as the investigation concluded that there was no malice in their actions.

The inquiry into the incident revealed that a soldier opened fire at three figures he misidentified as a threat. Two of them were killed, while the third fled to a nearby building. Commanders ordered the troops to hold their fire until the third person could be identified. Approximately 15 minutes later, the battalion commander heard cries for help in Hebrew from the building. The commander again ordered the troops to cease fire and instructed the figure to come towards them. However, when the man exited the building, two soldiers shot and killed him. It was determined that they had not heard the commander's order due to the noise from a nearby tank. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged their failure to rescue the hostages in this event and expressed their condolences to the families of the three victims.

Judih Weinstein Haggai's family and Kibbutz Nir Oz released statements confirming her death. The couple was shot while on their morning walk through the fields of the kibbutz. Ms. Haggai managed to inform friends that they had been injured, but her husband's injuries were fatal. The bodies of the couple are currently being held by Hamas.

President Biden expressed his condolences to the couple's four children, seven grandchildren, and other loved ones. He pledged to continue working towards the safe return of all hostages held by Hamas. The family described Judih Weinstein Haggai as a creative individual who dedicated her life to promoting peace in the region. They called for leaders to prioritize the safe return of hostages before it is too late.

The situation in Israel and Gaza remains tense, with ongoing violence and casualties. The international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the safe return of all hostages.