In a recent announcement, Israel's military has confirmed the deaths of four individuals who were abducted by Hamas on 7 October. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the four victims, Nadav Popplewell, Chaim Peri, Yoram Metzger, and Amiram Cooper, were killed during an Israeli operation in Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza. The bodies of the victims are believed to be held by the militants.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the IDF, stated that intelligence gathered in recent weeks led to the assessment of their deaths. While specific details were not provided, it is believed that the four individuals were killed together in the Khan Younis area during the operation against Hamas.

Hamas had previously claimed that Nadav Popplewell died in an Israeli strike in April, but there was no confirmation of his death until now. The UK Foreign Office has stated that they are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

In December, Hamas had released a video showing the remaining three hostages. All four individuals were taken hostage from kibbutzes near the Gaza Strip in October last year. Their relatives, through the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, condemned the news of their deaths and called for introspection from leaders. The statement emphasized that the victims were kidnapped alive and should have returned safely to their families.

The UK Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, expressed his sadness upon hearing about Nadav Popplewell's death. He extended his condolences to the loved ones of the deceased.

During its attacks on southern Israel, Hamas reportedly killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 others as hostages. The group had released 105 civilians during a temporary truce in November, but around 120 hostages remain unaccounted for. Israeli officials have indicated that many of them are presumed dead.

In response to the cross-border attack, Israel launched a military campaign to dismantle Hamas. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant death toll, with Hamas reporting that at least 36,470 people have been killed in Gaza during the eight months of fighting.

The White House has expressed the belief that Hamas has been weakened to a point where it cannot carry out a similar attack as the one on 7 October. However, some Israeli officials, such as Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, maintain that no deal should be struck until Hamas is completely destroyed.

Israel's Prime Minister has stated that the war in Gaza will not end until Hamas is defeated and all hostages are returned. The proposed plan includes a six-week ceasefire and the withdrawal of IDF forces from populated areas.

The confirmation of the deaths of the four abducted individuals further underscores the ongoing tensions and volatility in the region, continuing to deepen the divide between Israel and Hamas.