US officials believe most Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity are dead

Six months after Hamas abducted more than 250 people, U.S. officials believe a majority of the hostages still held by Hamas are dead, according to information received during cease-fire talks on Wednesday, April 10. The information comes after Israelis began protesting in Tel Aviv the week of April 1, chanting and marching as cease-fire talks fell apart.

The protesters carried images of their loved ones still held captive by Hamas and pressured Israel’s government to secure their release. They expressed concern that time is dwindling for the safe return of their relatives from Hamas captivity.

“We’re here to push the government,” Zahir Shahar Mor, whose brother remains in Hamas’ captivity, said. “We are here to tell the government we need to get our people back. You’re stalling and your feet dragging cannot continue anymore. You must bring them back. If you can’t bring them back, just step away, step back, step down. Just get away from this issue.”

On Oct. 7, Hamas attacked southern Israeli village, killing more than 1,200 people and abducting of 253 others.

During a weeklong cease-fire in November, Hamas released 105 hostages. The group also released four others before the cease-fire. Most of the hostages released by Hamas have been women and children.

Israeli officials estimated the majority of the 133 remaining hostages are younger males. They said the men are either IDF soldiers or men of military age.

In recent weeks, Hamas and Israel engaged in discussions with international mediators in Qatar and Egypt in attempts to negotiate another cease-fire.

A proposed six-week cease-fire would have Hamas release 40 hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

On Wednesday, a senior Hamas leader informed mediators that the group does not currently have 40 living hostages who meet the criteria necessary to agree to the deal. Hamas members stated that they require the cease-fire to “track down” and gather the remaining hostages.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Wednesday that Israel believed at least 33 of the remaining hostages are dead. U.S. officials said they believe most of the 133 remaining hostages are dead.

Nevertheless, relatives of the hostages said they maintain hope.

“Tonight, we’re at a critical point where the chances of bringing as many hostages home alive are going and running down,” said Leebie Goldberg, whose brother is held by Hamas. “So, it’s crucial for us to come out to the streets and make sure that the Israeli prime minister and cabinet, the war cabinet, decide to make a deal as soon as they can.”