In a heartbreaking update, Israeli authorities have revealed that eight of the hostages slated for release by Hamas in the first phase of a ceasefire agreement have died. The news came during a briefing on Monday, where a government spokesperson shared that the group received a list from Hamas detailing the status of the captives.

Out of the 33 hostages expected to be freed, seven have already been returned to their families. The remaining individuals, including women and children, are believed to be alive. Sadly, the eight who perished were reportedly killed by Hamas, though the group has yet to comment on the circumstances of their deaths.

The ceasefire deal, which began on January 19, aims to bring home dozens of hostages taken during the October 7 attacks. Families of those involved were notified Sunday evening, regardless of whether their loved ones were alive or deceased.

This agreement also includes the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, marking a significant step in the ongoing conflict. For the people of Gaza, the truce offers a rare moment of relief after over a year of heavy bombardment. Many displaced residents have begun returning to their homes in northern Gaza, a region largely devastated by the violence.

Recent days have seen the release of four female Israeli soldiers, who are now receiving medical care. These young women, aged 19 and 20, are said to be in stable condition. However, other freed hostages showed signs of mild starvation and low vitamin levels, raising concerns about their long-term well-being.

As the situation continues to unfold, Israeli officials emphasize that the physical and mental health of the hostages remains a top priority. Many are eager to hear their stories, but for now, the focus is on their recovery and return to normalcy.

This story is still developing, with more details expected to emerge in the coming days.