The Israeli military has confirmed the deaths of four hostages, including British-Israeli citizen Nadav Popplewell, who were taken captive by Hamas in October last year. The announcement has sparked widespread outrage and calls for the government to take immediate action to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
The four hostages, identified as Chaim Peri, 79, Amiram Cooper, 84, Yoram Metzger, 80, and Nadav Popplewell, 51, were kidnapped during Hamas's cross-border attack on October 7, which left over 1,200 people dead and 251 hostages taken. The hostages were taken to Gaza, where they have been held captive ever since.
The Israeli military spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, announced that the four hostages had died months ago during an Israeli army operation in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Hagari stated that the military would investigate the circumstances of their deaths but did not directly blame Hamas.
The news has been met with anger and grief from the families of the hostages, who have accused the government of neglect and delaying previous deals that could have secured their release. The Hostages Forum, a grassroots group representing the families, stated, "It is time to end this cycle of sacrifice and neglect. Their murder in captivity is a mark of disgrace and a sad reflection on the significance of delaying previous deals."
Protesters took to the streets across the country, blocking highways and demanding an immediate deal for the release of the remaining hostages. The daughter-in-law of Yoram Metzger, one of the deceased hostages, publicly called for protesters to take to the streets, stating, "The government continues to abandon the hostages, who are being murdered in captivity. The blood is on the hands of Netanyahu and the government."
The US has proposed a three-phase plan for a ceasefire and hostage release, which has been met with resistance from the Israeli government. President Joe Biden has urged Israel to accept the deal, which could facilitate the return of the remaining hostages.
The Israeli offensive on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 36,400 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured over 82,600 others. The International Court of Justice has accused Israel of genocide and ordered it to halt its operation in the southern city of Rafah.
The confirmation of the hostages' deaths has added to the mounting pressure on the Israeli government to secure their release and end the conflict in Gaza. The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the crisis. As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution.
