Israel confirms deaths of four more hostages in Gaza
Israel has confirmed the deaths of four more hostages who were abducted by Hamas on October 7. According to the Israeli military, the four individuals were killed during an Israeli operation in Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza. Their bodies are still in the possession of Hamas militants.
The victims have been identified as British-Israeli Nadav Popplewell, 51, Chaim Peri, 79, Yoram Metzger, 80, and Amiram Cooper, 85. Intelligence gathered in recent weeks led to the assessment of their deaths. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesperson, stated that the four were killed while together during the operation, but provided no further details.
Previously, Hamas had claimed that Nadav Popplewell died in an Israeli strike in April, but there was no confirmation of his death until now. The UK Foreign Office had been investigating this claim. Hamas also released a video in December showing the other three men.
All four hostages were taken from kibbutzim near the Gaza Strip on October 7. Their families, through the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, expressed profound sorrow, stating that the deaths should prompt deep reflection among leaders. They emphasized that the men were kidnapped alive and should have returned home safely.
UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron expressed his condolences on social media, stating he was “greatly saddened” by the news of Nadav Popplewell’s death and extending his thoughts to Popplewell’s loved ones.
Nadav Popplewell was kidnapped along with his mother, who was later released. His brother Roy was killed in the attack.
Hamas killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages during its attacks on southern Israel. The group released 105 civilians during a week-long truce in November. Currently, around 120 hostages remain unaccounted for, with many presumed dead according to Israeli officials.
In response to the cross-border attack, Israel launched a military campaign to dismantle Hamas. The Hamas-run health ministry reports that at least 36,470 people have been killed in Gaza over nearly eight months of conflict.
