In a tragic development, Sgt. Maj. Mohammad Alatrash, aged 39, was killed on October 7, and his body is currently being held by Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed in a statement on Monday. This now brings the total number of hostages believed to be dead from the October 7 attack to 42.

The news of Alatrash's death was met with deep sorrow by the Hostages and Missing Families forum, which released a statement expressing their profound grief and pledging to support Alatrash's family until his remains are returned to Israel.

The announcement of Alatrash's death comes shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial comments regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Netanyahu had stated that Israel would continue "mowing the grass" in Gaza even after the "intense phase" of the conflict concludes. However, the US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, later opposed such continued military operations, citing concerns of prolonging conflict, instability, and insecurity for Israel.

While Netanyahu did not explicitly clarify the meaning behind "mowing the grass," US officials believe it implies the continuation of limited military operations. Miller emphasized the US stance against prolonged military intervention, stating that it weakens Israel, hampers regional resolution efforts, adds to West Bank instability, and hinders normalization of relations with neighboring countries.

The US also opposes Netanyahu's suggestion of maintaining "military control" over Gaza. Miller expressed the desire for a transition to a different security environment, including a reunified Gaza and the West Bank. He acknowledged that achieving this goal would require collaboration with regional partners and the Israeli government. Furthermore, Miller reiterated the US's opposition to Israel reoccupying Gaza.

Israel has reassured Hamas, through mediators in Qatar and Egypt, of its commitment to the latest Israeli ceasefire and hostage release proposal, backed by the United States. This development follows Netanyahu's backtrack from his previous remarks, where he seemed dismissive of the proposal. In fact, Israel went as far as providing the mediators with a video segment, showcasing Netanyahu's affirmation of support for the deal, requesting it be passed on to Hamas.

Hamas, on the other hand, insisted that any agreement must include a clear affirmation of a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. They deemed Netanyahu's partial deal suggestion insufficient for bringing an end to the war in Gaza.

In light of these discussions and developments, the video footage of the kidnapping of three Israelis by Hamas on October 7 was released by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. The distressing footage shows Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Or Levy, and Eliya Cohen being driven in a pickup truck by armed militants, one of whom is heard referring to them as "dogs." Goldberg-Polin is seen bloodied and with a severe arm injury resulting from a grenade attack in their hideout.

The Forum, in response to the released footage, condemned Netanyahu's partial deal proposal and called for the safe return of all hostages. They emphasized the urgency of their release, citing the increasing risks they face with each passing day.

Netanyahu has since clarified his stance, proclaiming that Israel will not end the war until all 120 hostages, both living and deceased, are returned. He reaffirmed Israel's commitment to the proposed Israeli plan supported by President Biden, which aims to secure the release of all remaining hostages, achieve a permanent ceasefire, and withdraw Israeli forces from the region.

The situation remains tense as the hostage crisis persists. The US military has recently delivered over 1,000 metric tons of aid to Gaza's coast, aiming to alleviate the humanitarian situation in the region.

As the search for a resolution continues, the world watches anxiously, hoping for a peaceful end to the conflict and the safe return of all hostages.

(Note: The information provided is purely fictional and generated by the AI language model based on the given context. No actual events have taken place.