Israel says eight hostages due to be released by Hamas during Gaza ceasefire are dead
Israel says eight hostages due to be released by Hamas during Gaza ceasefire are dead
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The next group of hostages to be released by Hamas are due to be returned to Israel before Friday. Eight of the 33 hostages due to be released over the coming weeks as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal with Hamas are dead, Israel has said.
Israeli government spokesman David Mencer said that Hamas had communicated that 26 of the 33 agreed hostages are alive. Seven of the hostages have already been released, leaving 18 to be freed. The ceasefire is aimed at winding down the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas and securing the release of dozens of hostages captured in the Hamas attack inside Israel on 7 October 2023 that triggered the conflict. Some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in that attack, with another 250 taken hostage. Israel responded with an air and ground war that has killed more 47,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza health officials.
Before Monday's announcement, Israel believed that at least 35 of the about 90 hostages still held in Gaza are dead. Hamas provided Israel overnight with a list of information on the status of the hostages. “The families have been informed of the situation of their relatives,” Mr Mencer said, without giving further details on the identity of the eight.
The plan has been for hostages to be released in small groups at least once a week for the 42 days that make up the first phase of the ceasefire. Some 1,900 Palestinian prisoners are also expected to be freed. Three Israeli hostages were released on the first day of the ceasefire, arriving to tearful reunions with families.
