IDF confirms deaths of 4 Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity

4 Israeli hostages have died whereas in Hamas captivity, the Israel Protection Forces (IDF) confirmed Monday after acquiring new intelligence. 

The kibbutz Nir Oz mentioned earlier Monday that three of their founders who have been kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7 and brought hostage have been killed whereas in captivity. 

 An IDF spokesperson mentioned Amiram Cooper, Yoram Metzger, and Chaim Peri – all of whom have been 80 or older – have been killed a number of months in the past together with Nadav Powell in Khan Yunis, whereas IDF troopers have been working within the space. Their our bodies are nonetheless in Gaza. 

Cooper, Metzger, and Peri have been seen in a video launched by Hamas underneath the title, “Don’t allow us to develop previous right here.” Within the video, the three males seem gaunt, sporting skinny white T-shirts.

“We’re the era who constructed the inspiration for the state of Israel,” Haim Peri says, noting that every one the lads have continual sicknesses. “We don’t perceive why we now have been deserted right here.”

The IDF mentioned Monday that the relations of the victims have been knowledgeable of their deaths. 

“The choice to pronounce the 4 hostages lifeless was primarily based on intelligence and was confirmed by a Ministry of Well being knowledgeable committee, in coordination with the Ministry of Spiritual Companies and the Chief Rabbi of Israel,” an IDF spokesperson mentioned. “The circumstances of their loss of life in Hamas captivity are nonetheless underneath examination by all of the related professionals.” 

Hamas claimed in Might that the opposite hostage pronounced deceased, Nadav Popplewell, died after being wounded in an Israeli airstrike, however offered no proof to that impact. Popplewell was 51.

Monday’s announcement heightens strain on the Israeli authorities to conform to a U.S. cease-fire proposal that would safe the return of the hostages nonetheless held in Gaza and finish the eight-month struggle.

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About 80 hostages in Gaza are believed to be alive, alongside the stays of 43 others. Within the days because the Biden administration introduced the cease-fire proposal on Friday, Israel has seen a few of its largest protests calling on the federal government to convey them residence. Israeli management has appeared to brush apart President Biden’s proposal, vowing to maintain conducting army operations in opposition to Hamas till the militant group is destroyed.

About 100 captives have been launched throughout every week lengthy trade of hostages for Palestinian prisoners in November. Three of the lads declared lifeless Monday had feminine kin who have been launched throughout the trade.

Cooper was an economist and one of many founders of kibbutz Nir Oz, based on the hostages discussion board. Metzger helped to discovered the kibbutz vineyard and Peri constructed the group’s artwork gallery and sculpture backyard.

Nir Oz was among the many hardest-hit cities close to the border with Gaza throughout the Hamas assault Oct. 7, when Palestinian militants stormed Israel, killing some 1,200 individuals and hauling round 250 hostages again to Gaza.

Israeli bombardments and floor operations in Gaza have killed greater than 36,000 Palestinians, based on Gaza’s Hamas-run Well being Ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between combatants and civilians.

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Israel has been increasing its offensive within the southern metropolis of Rafah, as soon as the principle hub of humanitarian assist operations. The Israeli invasion of Rafah has largely reduce off the circulation of meals, drugs and different provides to Palestinians dealing with widespread starvation.

Fox Information’ Yonat Friling and The Related Press contributed to this report.