Two More Hostages Die in Gaza as Ceasefire Talks Loom

Israeli report says two more hostages die in Gaza, sound technician Yagev Buchshtab and historian Alex Dancyg, both abducted during Hamas’ 7 October attack. Investigations into their deaths are ongoing, and Israel has pronounced about a third of the 120 hostages still held as dead in absentia.

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Hostage Families Express Grief and Frustration as Hostages Die in Gaza

The Hostage Families Forum expressed grief and frustration, stating, “Yagev and Alex were taken alive and should have returned alive to their families and to their country.” Dancyg, also a Polish citizen and Holocaust survivors’ son, was mourned by Poland’s foreign ministry, which continues to demand the unconditional release of all abductees.

In the interim, Israel has intensified its military operations in Gaza with the goal of reaching Khan Younis. The health ministry in Gaza reports that 37 Palestinians have already lost their lives as a result of the onslaught. The Israeli military aims to push civilians out of combat zones, but Palestinian officials report inadequate time for evacuation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit Washington amid growing domestic and international pressure to end the conflict. His visit, facilitated by House Republicans, comes as President Biden faces criticism for his handling of the situation. Talks for a ceasefire deal, potentially including the release of remaining hostages, are scheduled to resume later this week.