The post IDF to hold small ceremony in Gaza when it receives 4 bodies of slain hostages Thursday appeared first on The Times of Israel.

In a video statement, Netanyahu said, "Tomorrow will be a very difficult day for the State of Israel. A wrenching day, a day of grief. We are bringing home four of our beloved hostages, deceased. We embrace the families, and the heart of the entire nation is torn. My own heart is torn. So is yours."

In contrast to the joyful scenes of living hostages returning home over the past few weeks, the transfer of bodies on Thursday, potentially including those of two children, will be somber.