Israel Confirms Death of 2 Hostages Held by Hamas

The Times of Israel reported on the 22nd (local time) that the Israeli military confirmed that two of its hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas have died.

The Israeli military announced on the same day that it identified the deaths of Alex Dansig and Yagev Bushtav during a military operation several months ago in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip. Although the exact circumstances of their deaths were not disclosed, the military stated that it is investigating without ruling out the possibility that they were killed by friendly fire.

Hamas claimed that Dansig was shot dead by Israeli forces in March, and Bushtav died due to a lack of food and medication. Both were abducted on October 7 last year when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel; Dansig was staying at Nir Oz kibbutz (a collective farm), and Bushtav was at his home in Nirim kibbutz.

[Image source=Yonhap News]