Four additional hostages kidnapped by the terrorist group Hamas were declared dead by the Israeli military this week.
Nadav Popplewell, Amiram Cooper, Yoram Metzger and Haim Peri all have been pronounced dead, according to the Hostages Forum, a 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.”
Israel’s military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, stated that the hostages were killed while they were together, during the army’s operation in Khan Younis in central Gaza.
Hagari said the men were killed months ago, but their bodies are still being held by Hamas.
The military claimed that the deaths had been confirmed by health officials and Israel’s chief rabbi.
Last month, Israeli forces reportedly rescued the bodies of three hostages from the Gaza Strip
Chief military spokesperson Daniel Hagari identified the three as Shani Louk, Amit Buskila and Yitzhak Gelernter.
According to Hagari, the three “were murdered by Hamas while escaping the Nova music festival on Oct. 7 and their bodies were taken into Gaza.”
“We will bring back all our hostages, whether they are alive or dead,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the time.
