32 more hostages declared dead by Israeli army: NYT

BEIRUT — Israeli intelligence officers have concluded that at least 32 of the remaining 136 hostages captured by Hamas and other Palestinian militants on Oct. 7 have died since the start of the war, according to a confidential assessment that was reviewed and reported on by The New York Times.

Four Israeli military officials, who spoke anonymously to the American newspaper, said that officers were also assessing unconfirmed intelligence indicating that at least 20 other hostages may have died.

In response to a request for comment, the Israeli military said that most of the dead were killed on Oct. 7, although there is no confirmation as to how exactly the time of death was determined.

Hostages’ families are already actively increasing pressure on Netanyahu’s government and even appealing to foreign governments for support. The movement is motivated by a fear that the hostages' lives are no longer of priority to the Israeli government and are being further endangered by the army’s relentless bombardment of the besieged Gaza Strip.

How are the hostages' families influencing Israel?

How are the hostages' families influencing Israel?

It is likely that a further 32 hostages declared dead will spur further action by the hostages’ families, adding to an atmosphere of frustration in Israel, as the country — historically driven by a fervent dedication to returning hostages — nears its fifth month of war with more than half of the original 240 people taken on Oct. 7 still in captivity.

Since the November truce that facilitated the only exchange of hostages so far, the Israeli government has declared its military operations in Gaza to be part of facilitating the release of further hostages. Israeli officials argued that every military success places Hamas under more pressure to negotiate, NYT reported, and makes the military better able to rescue the remaining captives by force.

On Dec. 15 2023, the Israeli army mistakenly shot and killed three Israeli hostages as they emerged from a building with their arms raised, waving a white flag of surrender. Only one hostage has been freed by the Israeli army through military means.