Israel Says 8 of 33 Hostages to Be Freed in 1st Phase of Gaza Deal Are Dead

The Israeli prime minister’s office said the figures Hamas was required to give square with its own intelligence about the hostages’ status.

Families and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, hold photos of their loved ones during a protest calling for their release outside the prime minister's office in Jerusalem on Jan. 26, 2025. AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg

The Hamas terrorist group has informed Israel that 8 of 33 hostages scheduled for release during the Gaza cease-fire’s first phase are dead.

A spokesman for the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had received the information and that it “matches Israel’s intelligence.”