© Garrett Mogel/For the Coloradoan / USA TODAY NETWORK
Syndication: The Coloradoan
(Tel Aviv, Israel) — The Israel Defense Forces says they have confirmation now that four hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza are no longer alive. They were taken on Oct 7th Three of the men, identified as Amiram Cooper, Yoram Metzger and Haim Peri, were 80 years old, or older, and appeared in a December video released by Hamas. Peri said in the video that all three men had chronic illnesses and accused Israel of abandoning them. The fourth hostage was identified as Nadav Popplewell.
The IDF told the families of the victims that they are no longer alive and that their bodies are held by the Hamas. The circumstances of their deaths are still under investigation.
More than 250 people were taken hostage and moved to Gaza during Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel but more than 100 were released during a temporary truce last year. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office believes there are still 124 hostages, living and dead, in Gaza.
