Israel announced on Monday that Hamas has declared four hostages dead. Hamas took Nadav Peri, Amiram Cooper, Yoram Metzger, and Haim Peri hostage on October 7th. Hamas released a propaganda video in December featuring three of the hostages: Peri, Cooper, and Metzger.

Hamas alleged that Israeli forces killed the three in Khan Yunis, according to Hamas.

Daniel Hagari, IDF spokesperson, says that it was only recently that intelligence confirmed the deaths.

He said: “We estimate the four killed together in the Khan Younis region, several months back, while they were being held by Hamas terrorism and IDF forces were in Khan Younis.”

Hagari continued, implying that there would be difficult questions about the circumstances surrounding the deaths. It was possible that the four were killed by IDF soldiers or Israeli airstrikes. “We are investigating the circumstances surrounding these deaths, and will be presenting the findings to both the families, as well as the public, as soon as we can. We will continue to present the findings in a transparent manner, just as we have so far.

As part of the initial deal, three of the hostages who were murdered had female relatives who were taken hostage as well but were freed. Cooper’s Nurit, Metzger Tami and Popplewell Channah Peri’s mother were released as part of the initial hostage deal.

There are concerns about the number of hostages who are still alive. Hamas may not have agreed to a deal with Hamas because there are not many remaining hostages. At least 41 hostages are confirmed to have perished in captivity.

The last hostage agreement fell apart because the terror group refused to release Shiri and her two young boys, Ariel and Kfir (both eight months at the time). Hamas has claimed that the family was dead. However, the IDF is hesitant to accept the claim without proof. Hamas may be trying to keep the last and youngest children as bargaining chips. Hamas would have been very foolish to let something happen to such an important asset. However, Hamas is not exactly making the best decisions.

I pray every day that we will sweet this sweet smile again. How can this be? How can so many stand beside this? https://t.co/CZ4bRChby2

— Margaret Clark (@RedStateClark) June 3, 2024

Hamas’s confirmation of the deaths of four older hostages was disheartening, and we began to wonder if Hamas had been telling the truth regarding Shiri and the babies. Hamas rarely tells the whole truth. When it does, Hamas usually only gives a partial or misinterpreted version of it. Hamas’s liarry is evident in this case.

The Israeli government and in particular Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been under increasing pressure to strike a deal with the hostages. Some people want this deal at all costs. The prime minister has, to his credit, refused to grant this request.

The end of this conflict is close with the advances in Rafah. Biden may have announced recently that a new agreement was on the table to end the conflict because of this. Details surrounding the announcement are murky to say the least. Israel was on Sabbath at the time the announcement was made and could not respond to questions or concerns immediately. The prime minister clarified when he responded that “his” agreement would not sacrifice war objectives. He said the dismantling Hamas was non-negotiable.

The first hostage situation was almost miraculous. We were hopeful that the situation would end in the same manner – with the entire country of Israel standing motionless as the planes landed, the families waiting at airports and hospitals, and the emotional embraces between the loved ones who had been returned. This miracle was made possible only by the IDF’s controversial military pressure. We knew it was likely to end in this way, as many hostages were caught up in an unjust war.

Hamas is responsible for all deaths, including those of hostages and victims brutally murdered on 7th October. Hamas is responsible for all civilian deaths in Gaza. We are responsible for the pages of history and the stories to be told. Israel did not ask for or deserve this war. We must stand not only by their side but also by the truth.