By Agency Report
The announcement of four Isreali hostages’ death in Gaza has heightens pressure on the Israeli government to agree to a U.S. cease-fire proposal that could secure the return of the hostages still held in Gaza and end the eight-month war.
On Monday it was reported that four more hostages kidnapped on Oct. 7 were declared dead by the Israeli military, including three older adults seen in a Hamas video begging to be released.
AP news reported that about 80 hostages in Gaza are believed to be alive, alongside the remains of 43 others. In the days since the Biden administration announced the cease-fire proposal Friday, Israel has seen some of its largest protests calling on the government to bring them home. Israeli leadership has appeared to brush aside the President Joe Biden’s proposal, vowing to keep conducting military operations against Hamas until the militant group is destroyed.
All four of the men declared dead Monday night; Nadav Popplewell, Amiram Cooper, Yoram Metzger and Haim Peri; were kidnapped and taken into Gaza still alive, according to the Hostages Forum, a grassroots group representing the families of the hostages
It is time to end this cycle of sacrifice and neglect,” the group wrote in a statement following the announcement. “Their murder in captivity is a mark of disgrace and a sad reflection on the significance of delaying previous deals.” The group called on the government to immediately approve the new cease-fire plan.
