Photo: OMAR AL-QATTAA / AFP / Getty Images
Hamas has informed Israel that eight of the 26 hostages set to be released in the first phase of a ceasefire are dead, according to a Middle Eastern official briefed on the matter. This is the first time Hamas has disclosed the number of deceased hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's spokesman confirmed that these figures align with Israeli intelligence, as reported by NBC News.
The ceasefire, which began on January 19, aims to release 33 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. So far, seven Israeli women and 290 Palestinian prisoners have been freed. The truce follows over 15 months of conflict initiated by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and more than 47,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, according to Newsweek.
Israeli government spokesman David Mencer confirmed the deaths of the eight hostages and stated that the families have been informed. This leaves 18 hostages still alive under the current agreement.
The ceasefire remains fragile, with accusations from both sides of violations. Qatar, a mediator in the negotiations, announced that more hostages are expected to be released soon. The situation remains tense as families of the hostages continue to urge the Israeli government to secure the release of their loved ones.