Israeli military officials have confirmed the deaths of four hostages who were kidnapped on Oct. 7, including three older men who were seen in a video pleading for their release. This development has intensified pressure on the Israeli government to consider a U.S. cease-fire proposal aimed at securing the return of the remaining hostages held in Gaza and bringing an end to the eight-month conflict.
Currently, it is estimated that around 80 hostages are still alive in Gaza, while the remains of 43 others have been recovered. Following President Joe Biden's announcement of the cease-fire proposal, Israel has witnessed significant protests urging the government to take action. Despite Biden characterizing the proposal as Israeli, the Israeli leadership has distanced itself from the plan, emphasizing its commitment to continuing military operations against Hamas until the group is dismantled.
The four men declared dead on Monday night — Nadav Popplewell, Amiram Cooper, Yoram Metzger, and Haim Peri — were initially taken into Gaza alive. The Hostages Forum, representing the families of the hostages, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic news and urged the government to promptly approve the new cease-fire plan.
Israel's military spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, revealed that the four hostages were killed during an operation in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. While the exact cause of death remains unknown, Hamas is still in possession of their bodies. The men, aged 80 or older, appeared in a distressing video released by Hamas in December, highlighting their deteriorating health conditions and pleading for their release.
The recent discovery of the body of another presumed hostage, Dolev Yehud, near the Gaza border further underscores the grim reality of the situation. Yehud, aged 35, was among those held captive in Gaza and was found to have been killed during the initial attack on Oct. 7.
Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in a significant loss of life, with over 36,000 Palestinians reported dead by Gaza's Health Ministry. The ongoing offensive in the city of Rafah has disrupted humanitarian aid operations, exacerbating the already dire situation faced by Palestinians in the region.
