Archaeologists Enlisted to Uncover October 7 Remains

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority have a grisly new task, the government press office reported this morning: uncovering the remains of those killed in Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack.

The archaeological methods employed at ancient sites are similar to the methods applied here, but it is one thing to expose 2,000-year-old destruction remains, and quite another thing—heartrending and unfathomable—to carry out the present task searching for evidence of our sisters and brothers in the communities.
—Israel Press Office

Since the start of their work, archaeologists have found evidence of at least 10 bodies—individuals previously considered missing.

Taking into account all the difficulty and the emotional challenges involved, our hope is that we can contribute to the certain identification for as many as possible families, regarding the fate of their dear ones. …

I salute our archaeologists for their immediate agreement—by no means to be taken for granted—to take part in this difficult task. It is an honor and a great responsibility, that they are carrying out with great respect.
—Eli Escusido, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority

Enlisting the aid of archaeologists to identify remains shows the extent of Hamas’s destruction. It also further highlights how every facet of society in Israel has been affected. Sadly, October 7 is a sign of worse to come.