Four Israelis held captive by Hamas have tragically been confirmed dead by the Israel Defense Forces. Nadav Popplewell, Yoram Metzger, Amiram Cooper, and Haim Perry were declared deceased after being informed that Hamas had their remains. The decision to announce their deaths was made based on intelligence indicating they were likely killed together months ago while in captivity.
The deaths come amidst challenges to an Israeli cease-fire proposal, with some ministers opposing any deal with Hamas. Popplewell, seen in a Hamas propaganda video last month, was taken captive with his mother from their home. Metzger, aged 83, was last seen in December looking frail and tired in a video released by Hamas. Despite some hostages being released in a temporary cease-fire deal, around 125 Israelis remain in captivity since the initial deadly attack by Hamas.