Israel announced on Monday that a list provided by Hamas reveals eight of the 26 remaining hostages set to be freed in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire-hostage agreement are deceased.
Government spokesperson, David Mencer, shared the information with reporters, confirming that of the 33 hostages included in the deal, seven have been released alive since January 19.
This leaves 18 living hostages still awaiting release, alongside the tragic acknowledgment that eight others are dead.
The agreement includes the release of women, children from the Bibas family, men over 50, and those considered unwell or injured.
Arogidigba Global Journal earlier reported that the next release of three hostages, including Arbel Yehoud and Agam Berger, is scheduled for Thursday, with an additional three set to be freed on Saturday.
For families anxiously awaiting answers, the confirmation brings both relief and sorrow. The fate of hostages inside Gaza has remained a devastating uncertainty, driving families to push for the agreement amid fears time was running out.
Currently, 87 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack remain in Gaza. This number includes the bodies of at least 34 individuals confirmed dead by the IDF.
Hamas is also holding two Israeli civilians who entered Gaza in 2014 and 2015, as well as the remains of an IDF soldier killed in 2014.
The body of another soldier from the same conflict was recovered from Gaza earlier this month.