Eight hostages killed in Hamas hands

Eight Israeli citizens held by Hamas militants have died. These individuals were due to be released under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement concluded to stabilise the situation in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer stated that, as of now, 33 hostages are due to be released under the first stage. Seven of them have already returned home.

Mencer clarified that, according to the latest information from Hamas, 18 of the 26 hostages expected to be released are alive, while eight have died.

Israeli authorities stated that the next stages of the release are scheduled for 30 January and 1 February, when three individuals each will be returned to the country.

Among the hostages expected to be released are women, children, elderly men over the age of 50, as well as individuals with various illnesses and injuries. On Sunday, the IDF expressed concern over the fate of Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Ariel and Kfir.