Jerusalem, Israel – The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the tragic deaths of four Israelis who were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. The families of Nadav Popplewell, Yoram Metzger, Amiram Cooper, and Haim Perry were notified that their loved ones are no longer alive, with Hamas reportedly in possession of their remains.
The announcement of the deaths came amidst a proposed Israeli cease-fire backed by President Joe Biden, which faced opposition from right-wing ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government who are against any deals with Hamas. The IDF stated that the decision to declare the hostages dead was based on intelligence gathered, revealing that the four individuals were likely killed several months ago in the Khan Yunis area while in captivity by Hamas militants.
While the exact circumstances of their deaths were not disclosed, it was previously reported that Perry, Metzger, and Cooper were among seven hostages killed in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza. Popplewell, who appeared in a Hamas propaganda video released last month, was confirmed to have been taken captive with his mother from Kibbutz Nirim, with his mother ultimately being released in November.
Metzger, a resident of Nir Oz Kibbutz who was last seen alive in a video in December released by Hamas, raised concerns among his family due to his deteriorating health. With approximately 125 Israeli hostages still held captive since the initial attack by Hamas that ignited the conflict in Gaza, the families continue to endure the uncertainty and pain of their loved ones’ fate.
The community of Kibbutz Nirim expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nadav Popplewell, stating that his loss at the hands of Hamas in Gaza was a devastating blow. Similarly, the release of a group of hostages last November, which included Hanna Perry, brought a glimmer of hope amid the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas.
As the families of the deceased hostages mourn their loss, the Israeli government faces internal and external pressures in navigating the delicate negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of the remaining captives. The tragic fate of these individuals serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for a lasting resolution to prevent further loss of life.