Israel confirms deaths of four hostages captured by Hamas
Israel’s military has confirmed the deaths of four people who were captured by Hamas on 7 October. The individuals were killed during an Israeli operation in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, and their bodies are still being held by the militants.
The victims were identified as British-Israeli Nadav Popplewell, 51, Chaim Peri, 79, Yoram Metzger, 80, and Amiram Cooper, 85. IDF spokesman Rear Adm Daniel Hagari stated that recent intelligence led to the assessment that the four hostages were killed together during the operation against Hamas.
Hamas had previously claimed that Nadav Popplewell died in an Israeli strike in April, but confirmation of his death only came now. The other three men were shown in a video released by Hamas in December.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a statement expressing profound sadness over the deaths of the men, emphasizing that they were kidnapped alive and should have been returned to their families. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron also expressed his condolences for Nadav Popplewell’s death.
Hamas had kidnapped around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages during its attacks on southern Israel. While some civilians were released during a truce, approximately 120 hostages remain missing and are presumed dead by Israeli officials.
Israel launched a military campaign against Hamas in response to the attacks, resulting in significant casualties. The conflict in Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 36,470 people over the past eight months, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
