Tel Aviv, Israel — Israeli military authorities have confirmed the deaths of four hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7 during an Israeli operation in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.

The deceased were identified as British-Israeli Nadav Popplewell, 51, Chaim Peri, 79, Yoram Metzger, 80, and Amiram Cooper, 85. The bodies of the four men remain in the possession of Hamas militants, according to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the IDF spokesman, stated that recent intelligence had led to this assessment.

“We assess that the four of them were killed while together in the area of Khan Younis during our operation there against Hamas,” Hagari said, without providing further specifics about the circumstances of their deaths.

Hamas had previously claimed that Nadav Popplewell had died in an Israeli strike in April. The UK Foreign Office, which had been investigating the claim, confirmed Popplewell’s death following the IDF’s recent announcement.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron expressed his condolences on social media platform X, saying, “I am greatly saddened to hear about Nadav Popplewell’s death. My thoughts are with his loved ones at this terrible time for them.”

Popplewell and his mother were kidnapped from their home on October 7, the same day his brother Roy was killed during the attack. Popplewell’s mother was later released. Hamas had also released a video in December showing the other three men—Peri, Metzger, and Cooper.

In a statement released through the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the families of the deceased urged world leaders to reflect deeply on the situation.

“Chaim, Yoram, Amiram, and Nadav were kidnapped alive; some of them were with other hostages who returned in the previous deal – and they should have returned alive to their country and their families,” the statement read.

Hamas’ assault on southern Israel on October 7 resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 individuals, according to Israeli authorities.

During a week-long truce in November, the group released 105 civilians. However, around 120 hostages remain unaccounted for, with Israeli officials stating that many are presumed dead.

Israel initiated a military campaign targeting Hamas in retaliation for the cross-border attack. The campaign has involved extensive operations in Gaza, including the one in Khan Younis, where the four hostages were confirmed dead.

The situation continues to be a point of intense conflict and sorrow, with families of hostages and victims calling for justice and accountability.

The deaths of Popplewell, Peri, Metzger, and Cooper underscore the ongoing human toll of the conflict and the precarious situation of hostages still held by Hamas.

International reactions continue to pour in, with global leaders expressing their condolences and solidarity with the affected families.

As the conflict persists, the humanitarian impact on both Israelis and Palestinians remains profound, with calls for a resolution that prioritizes the safety and dignity of all affected individuals.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members