Israel has said that eight of the 33 hostages due to be released in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire are dead, based on a list provided by Hamas.
A government spokesperson, David Mencer, told reporters Monday that the militant group had indicated the remaining 25 hostages set to be released are alive. Currently, around 90 hostages remain in captivity.
Newsweek has contacted the Israeli government by email for comment.
Why It Matters
For families of the hostages, the uncertainty over whether their loved ones are alive or dead has been agonizing, with many pushing the Israeli government to secure their release.
The first phase of the release is part of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began after the militant group's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people.
In retaliation, Israel launched a military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, which has resulted in more than 47,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities.
What To Know
Israel announced that the next batch of hostages will be freed on Thursday, with another release scheduled for Saturday.
An Israeli military doctor who has been treating hostages recently released by Hamas says they are in poor physical condition and face a long recovery process.
Dr. Ami Benov, speaking to reporters on Monday, explained that the seven young women he treated were suffering from "mild starvation" and vitamin deficiencies.
All of them had sustained injuries in the October 7, attack, and their medical care during captivity was inadequate.
What People Are Saying
Dr. Ami Benov, an Israeli military doctor who has been treating hostages, said: "They're not in a good shape. They're not good physically."
He added that one of the major challenges will be helping them through the "grounding" process—reacquainting them with decisions like what to eat, what to wear, and when and where to meet their families.
He said: "We feel obligated to give them the option to do whatever they feel right. But everything is being done in very small steps."
He also noted that the women's mental states are "very complicated," given their long period of captivity in tunnels with no sunlight.
What Happens Now
Relatives of the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza have been urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure the release of all remaining captives.
They have also called on U.S. President Donald Trump to keep exerting pressure on Hamas to secure their release.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press
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