Four Israeli Hostages Die in Hamas Custody

The Israeli Defense Forces made a somber announcement on Monday, revealing that four more Israeli hostages have lost their lives while in the captivity of the militant group Hamas in Gaza. This development comes amidst recent efforts by President Joe Biden to broker a new proposal aimed at facilitating a hostage exchange and bringing an end to the ongoing conflict.

The IDF has communicated to the families of Nadav Popplewell, Yoram Metzger, Amiram Cooper, and Haim Perry the devastating news that their loved ones are “no longer alive,” and that their remains are being held by Hamas, as reported by NBC News.

Metzger, Cooper, and Perry, all said to be over 80 years old, were featured in a heart-wrenching video released by Hamas in December, titled “Don’t let us grow old here,” according to the Associated Press.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari of the IDF disclosed that the men passed away in Khan Younis, a southern city in Gaza, during Israeli operations in the area. However, the specific circumstances leading to their deaths are still under investigation, as reported by the AP.

The total number of hostages believed to still be held by Hamas stands at around 85, according to The Washington Post. Additionally, Hamas is also believed to be in possession of the remains of approximately 39 hostages.

A poignant and perhaps lesser-known fact is that Popplewell’s mother was also among those held hostage, but she was previously released in a separate exchange. Popplewell himself had appeared in a video released by Hamas in May, according to the Times of Israel, though the timing of the footage remains unclear. Hamas had previously alleged that Popplewell died in an Israeli airstrike, but they have yet to provide any substantiating evidence.

The hostages in question were part of a larger group of roughly 250 individuals taken captive by Hamas during an attack on Israel that occurred on October 7. As the conflict has dragged on, there has been mounting pressure on Israel to negotiate a deal for the release of the hostages and prisoners. However, negotiations had hit a roadblock, with Hamas refusing to engage in discussions while Israel was still engaged in military operations, and the Israeli leadership adamant on achieving a total defeat of Hamas.

In a significant turn of events, President Biden announced on Friday that Israel had presented Hamas with a comprehensive framework aimed at ending the conflict and securing the safe return of all hostages and their remains. Biden emphasized that it is imperative for the war to come to an end, asserting that “Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out another October 7.