Israeli's frozen body is found in New Zealand

“We retrieved the body with the use of a helicopter in an elaborate operation carried out in cooperation with local police,” Magnus said.

Ms Tas-Okin’s mother Miriam, who lives in Netiv Ha’asara, just 50 metres from the Gaza Strip, told Yediot Achronot’s website Ynet: “I was very surprised and shocked. I was certain she would be found alive.

“During this entire time we continued to try and find her although a significant period of time had passed and people told me that the situation was worrying.”

Itamar Tas told the New Zealand Herald: “It’s the worst thing that could happen to a family.”

The private search cost an estimated $NZ100,000 [£40,000], which was raised from Tas family savings, loans and donations from people in Israel and New Zealand.