(Updated with statements, context)
Four other Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 died in captivity in the Gaza Strip and their bodies are still in the hands of the Islamist group, the Israeli army announced Monday.
The four men identified by the army, Chaïm Peri, Yoram Metzger, Amiram Cooper and Nadav Popplewell, had been filmed alive in videos previously released by Hamas.
“We believe the four were killed together in the Khan Yunis area several months ago while being detained by Hamas terrorists, at a time when IDF forces were operating there,” the spokesperson said. of the army, Daniel Hagari, during a press briefing.
Hamas released a video of Nadav Popplewell last month and claimed he died from his injuries after an Israeli airstrike.
“We are carefully examining the circumstances of their deaths and checking all possibilities. We will soon present the results, first to their families and then to the public,” said Daniel Hagari. “We will present them with transparency, as we have done so far.”
Around 120 hostages are still being held in Gaza, several of whom are considered dead, according to Israeli authorities.
Chaïm Peri was at his home on Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas attack. He tried to fight off the gunmen while hiding his wife behind a sofa, his son later told Reuters. He finally surrendered to protect his wife who remained in hiding.
Amiram Cooper and Yoram Metzger, also from Nir Oz, were captured with their wives, both of whom were released during a brief truce in November.
Nadav Popplewell was captured with his mother at her home in Kibbutz Nirim, according to a hostage support group. His brother was killed in the attack and his mother was released in November.
US President Joe Biden presented an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip on Friday, calling on Hamas to accept this new “comprehensive” offer.
Army spokesman Daniel Hagari said Monday that the IDF would be able to ensure Israel’s security regardless of the truce agreement decided by the government.
(Report by Ari Rabinovitch, French version by Kate Entringer)
