The terrorist group named three of the alleged victims as Chaim Gershon Peri, 79, Yoram Itak Metzger, 80, and Amiram Israel Cooper, 85, with the remaining four yet to be identified.

These men were reportedly kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7 last year. It should be noted that Hamas's assertion has not been independently confirmed, and the group has a history of disseminating false information about the well-being of hostages as part of its psychological warfare tactics. One such instance involved wrongly announcing the death of Hannah Katzir, who was later released unharmed.

Hamas's statement also attributes the deaths of the hostages to Israeli bombing, claiming that the number of enemy prisoners killed might exceed seventy. The group alleges that the enemy intentionally targets its own prisoners to evade responsibility.

Furthermore, the statement makes reference to a proposed ceasefire deal, set to begin during the Islamic holiday of Ramadan, which would see the release of 10 security prisoners for each Israeli hostage. Hamas emphasizes that the price it demands for the living prisoners will remain the same, irrespective of the casualties resulting from Israeli bombings.

Videos released by Hamas have showcased the three named hostages pleading for their release from captivity. One such video was unveiled in December, while another was released in January, announcing the fates of other hostages Yossi Sharabi and Itai Svirsky, both of whom were subsequently confirmed dead by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Chaim Gershon Peri, who heroically surrendered himself to protect his wife during the kidnapping, prevented her from being harmed. Amiram Israel Cooper and Yoram Itak Metzger's wives were also kidnapped but were later released in a temporary ceasefire agreement.

While the veracity of Hamas's claims remains unverified, this tragic development highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges faced by all parties involved in the Israel-Gaza conflict. The search for a lasting and peaceful resolution continues as efforts toward a ceasefire persist.