Israel has confirmed that eight of the 26 remaining hostages expected to be released by Hamas during the initial phase of the Gaza truce are deceased.
Government spokesperson David Mencer announced that Hamas provided a list overnight detailing the status of the hostages, aligning with Israeli intelligence. “The list from Hamas matches Israel’s intelligence, so I can confirm that eight have been killed by Hamas,” Mencer said, adding that the families of the victims have been notified.
Since the truce began on January 19, seven women have been freed in exchange for over 290 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Hamas agreed to release three hostages: civilian Arbel Yehud, soldier Agam Berger, and one additional person on Thursday, with plans to release three more on Saturday.
The Israeli military initiated its campaign against Hamas following a cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 people. Since then, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports over 47,310 Palestinian deaths.
Currently, Israel states that 87 hostages remain in captivity, including 34 believed to be deceased. Three Israelis were kidnapped before the war, with one confirmed dead.
Among the hostages is Or Levy, 34, who was abducted during the October 7 attack at the Nova music festival. His wife, Eynav, was killed while sheltering with their three-year-old son.
Or’s brother, Michael, speaking at Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, described the agonizing wait for news as “a nightmare,” expressing concern that Hamas might delay Or’s release.
The Israeli military spokesman also raised concerns for hostages Shiri Bibas, 33, and her sons, Kfir, 2, and Ariel, 5. While Hamas claimed they died in November 2023, Israel has not confirmed this and maintains hope they are alive.
The process includes three stages, culminating in Gaza’s restoration and the return of any remaining hostages’ bodies. The Captives and Missing Families Forum has urged the Israeli government to see all phases through, emphasizing the importance of bringing every hostage home.
Newly released hostages reported spending months in underground tunnels, with some held in isolation. Israeli military medical officials noted that those kept together fared better mentally and physically. Before their release, conditions improved with better meals, clean clothes, and showers, according to Col. Dr. Avi Banov.