IDF Launches Major Search in Kfar Aza for Remains of Slain Officer
The IDF is conducting extensive searches near Kfar Aza to recover the remains of Maj. (res.) Nireal Zini, who was killed and decapitated by Hamas on October 7.
The Israel Defense Forces have launched an extensive search operation in the agricultural fields surrounding Kfar Aza to locate the remaining body parts of Major (res.) Nireal Zini. Zini and his partner, Niv Aviv, were killed by Hamas terrorists in the "Young Generation" neighborhood of the kibbutz on October 7, 2023.
According to the victim's father, Amir Zini, terrorists decapitated his son during the attack and took his head. "They came with pictures of him and they looked for him, they beheaded him and took him because he was worth a lot to them," the father stated in grief. Despite ongoing efforts to return all hostages, the family's primary demand is the recovery of their son's head for a proper burial.
Hamas officials claim that Zini's head was not brought to Gaza on October 7 and that they do not hold it. In response to the family's pleas, the IDF initiated a large-scale search operation approximately three weeks ago across four distinct zones between Kibbutz Kfar Aza and the border fence.
The search focuses on routes previously used by terrorists and infiltrators during the massacre. During the October 7 onslaught, 62 residents of Kfar Aza were killed, alongside 18 IDF and Shin Bet personnel, while 19 civilians were abducted. Following the attacks, the Israeli Air Force conducted multiple strikes along four main routes in the fields to disrupt terrorist movement and withdrawal toward Gaza, where the current searches are now concentrated.
