Israel’s chief military spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, announced that 31 hostages held in Gaza have been declared dead, with 136 still in captivity.
Hagari said, “We have informed 31 families that their captured loved ones are no longer among the living and that we have pronounced them dead.”
An Israeli intelligence report suggests over a fifth of the remaining hostages may be deceased, with indications of potentially 20 more casualties.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that the conflict with Hamas will persist until three objectives are met: the return of all hostages, the eradication of Hamas, and the demilitarization and de-radicalization of Gaza.
Despite calls for a ceasefire, Israel continues its efforts to locate hostages and Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
Hamas has used hostages as human shields and leveraged civilian casualties to garner international support and pressure Israel.
The situation remains tense, with ongoing efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives.
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