A British-Israeli taken hostage during the October attacks last year has been confirmed to have been killed in Gaza.
The Israeli military confirmed four people snatched eight months ago have died, heightening pressure on the Israeli government to agree to a US ceasefire proposal that could secure the return of hostages. US President outlined the three-phase proposal by and also called for agreement over the plan to release hostages in exchange for an extended ceasefire in the war-torn strip.
Around 80 hostages in Gaza are believed to be alive, alongside the remains of 43 others. The four confirmed to have died were British-Israeli Nadav Popplewell, Amiram Cooper, Yoram Metzger and Haim Peri. Last month Hamas released a video saying Nadav had died after being wounded in
An earlier video was revealed showing him injuredIsrael's military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said the four hostages were killed “months ago” while they were together, during the army's operation in Khan Younis in central Gaza. Recent operations had finally allowed the military to gather enough intelligence to pronounce them dead. Their bodies are still being held by Hamas. Rear Adm Hagari said: “We are checking all of the options. There are a lot of questions.”
The Hostages Forum, a grassroots group representing the families of the hostages, said: “It is time to end this cycle of sacrifice and neglect. Their murders in captivity is a mark of disgrace and a sad reflection on the significance of delaying previous deals."
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Amiram Cooper, Yoram Metzger and Chaim Peri were also confirmed deadOf the other men confirmed dead, Cooper was an economist, Metzger helped to found the kibbutz winery and Peri built the community's art gallery and sculpture garden. The Biden administration last week announced a new ceasefire proposal. Israeli leadership has appeared to brush aside President Joe Biden's proposal, vowing to keep conducting military operations against Hamas until the militant group is destroyed.
Yesterday Rishi Sunak urged Hamas to accept a , as families of hostages backed the plan to end the bloodshed. Speaking on an election campaign stop in Redcar, North Yorks, Mr Sunak said: “I hope Hamas take this opportunity to conclude the deal that’s on the table.”
Sharone Lifschitz, whose mum was freed but whose dad is still captive, said: “We know the government of Israel has done an awful lot to delay reaching a deal and that has cost the lives of many people.”
However Israeli Prime Minister warned there would be no permanent ceasefire until Hamas’ abilities to govern and fight are destroyed.
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