Kibbutz Nir Oz announces death of hostage Yair Yaakov in Hamas captivity

On Thursday, Kibbutz Nir Oz announced the death of resident Yair (Yaya) Yaakov. The 59-year-old man was killed by terrorists in the Hamas attack on October 7, and his body is being held in Gaza, the kibbutz says.

Yair Yaakov was taken hostage with his partner Meirav Tal, 54, and their two sons, Or and Yagil, 17 and 13. The boys were freed as part of the temporary deal on November 27, and their mother was released a day later.

The kibbutz statement describes Yaakov as “a humble, simple man who loved family, land, and music.”