Israeli Hostages Allegedly killed by Hamas in Gaza
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Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has released a video showing what appears to be the dead bodies of two Israeli hostages. The hostages, identified as Yossi Sharabi, aged 53, and Itai Svirsky, aged 38, were initially seen in a video released on Sunday. The new video also features a third Israeli hostage, Noa Argamani, a 26-year-old university student, reading a script claiming that the two men were killed by Israeli airstrikes.
The Israeli military spokesperson expressed serious concern about the fate of the hostages shown in the video. However, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the military spokesperson, stated that Svirsky was not killed by Israeli forces. He denied Hamas’ claim that the building where the hostages were held was targeted by Israeli forces.
Approximately 240 people were taken hostage by Hamas militants during a surprise cross-border attack into southern Israel on October 7. While around half of the hostages were released during a short-lived truce in November, Israel reports that 132 hostages remain in Gaza, with 25 confirmed deaths in captivity.
Reuters was unable to independently verify the fate of the three hostages shown in the video. Autopsies of previously recovered hostages revealed causes of death inconsistent with Hamas’ account of death by airstrikes. Israel has acknowledged the risks to hostages during its offensive and is taking precautions.
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As night fell, Israeli planes and tanks intensified their bombardment across Gaza. In Al-Bureij and Tel Al-Hawa, medics reported several casualties resulting from Israeli missile strikes. The Israeli military has withdrawn a division of troops as part of plans for more targeted operations against Hamas leaders in southern Gaza.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that intense military operations in southern Gaza were nearly over. However, he emphasized that Hamas would not release any more hostages without military pressure.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in a widespread humanitarian crisis, with over 24,100 reported deaths and nearly 61,000 injuries. Almost two million people are displaced and facing increased risks of starvation and disease due to severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine.
The violence has also spread into Israel, with Palestinians carrying out coordinated car-rammings in the town of Raanana, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. Hamas’ political unit in exile linked these incidents to Israeli “crimes” and claimed that the conflict was expanding.
The West Bank has also experienced increased violence, with 351 reported deaths as Israeli forces conduct raids to target militants. In addition, Houthi fighters in Yemen have escalated attacks on ships in the Red Sea, claiming solidarity with the people of Gaza.
The situation remains tense and uncertain as both sides continue to engage in violence and retaliation.
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