IDF Reports Deaths of Hostages Held by Hamas in Gaza Strip

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, confirmed the heartbreaking news of deaths of several hostages held by the Hamas terror group in the Gaza Strip. As reported by The Times of Israel on Saturday, Hagari stated, "We are continuing to invest many intelligence and operational efforts, to bring information on the conditions of the hostages."

IDF Notification and Tragic Loss

In a somber announcement, Hagari informed that the IDF and police have notified the families of Eliyahu Margalit, Mia Goren, Ronen Engel, and Aryeh Zalmanovich about the deaths of their loved ones. The confirmation follows assessments by Health Ministry experts, the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, the chief rabbi, and Religious Affairs Ministry, based on collected findings and intelligence.

Hagari reiterated, "This comes after a team of Health Ministry experts, the [Abu Kabir Forensic Institute], the chief rabbi and Religious Affairs Ministry declared their deaths based on findings that were collected and intelligence."

Tragic Developments Amidst Resumed Offensive

This sorrowful announcement unfolds against the backdrop of the IDF resuming its Gaza offensive following the breakdown of a weeklong truce. During the truce period, 105 civilians, including 81 Israelis, 23 Thai nationals, and 1 Filipino, were released from Hamas captivity in Gaza. In exchange, 210 Palestinian prisoners, all women or minors, were released. Additionally, humanitarian aid flowed into the Strip.

As the truce collapsed, 136 people—114 men, 20 women, and two children—remain held hostage by Gaza terror groups. Among them, ten hostages are aged 75 and older, with the majority being Israeli (125) and eleven foreign nationals, including eight from Thailand.

Israel initiated the offensive against Hamas in Gaza following the October 7 assault on southern Israel, resulting in significant casualties and hostage situations.

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