Israel and Hamas agree deal for release of some hostages and four-day ceasefire | Israel-Gaza war | The Guardian
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expressed concerns for the lives of hostages Itay Svirsky and another individual, rejecting Hamas’s claim that Svirsky was killed during an IDF operation. Noa Argamani, a third hostage, is believed by the IDF to be alive. The hostages were taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, onslaught, resulting in over 240 captives. The IDF spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, stated that the military, while targeting a building in Gaza, did not intentionally strike where hostages were known to be held. The IDF is investigating Hamas’s propaganda video, emphasizing that their priority is to avoid harm to hostages.
Svirsky, abducted on October 7, 2023, lost both parents in the attack, while Argamani, taken from a music festival, has a mother suffering from a terminal illness. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought China’s help to free Argamani. As of now, 132 hostages remain in Gaza, with uncertainties about their status. The IDF confirmed the deaths of 25 hostages and is in constant contact with their families. Hagari urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to returning the hostages safely. Hamas’s use of hostage videos is condemned as psychological warfare.
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