Tel Aviv: The Israeli government has received a list of four deceased hostages set to be returned on Thursday. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed the update, stating that the Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing, Brig.-Gen. Gal Hirsch, has informed the hostages’ families through IDF representatives.

Sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Israeli PMO wrote:

Netanyahu Expresses Grief, Vows to Prevent Future Tragedies

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic loss, acknowledging the pain that the nation is experiencing.

“Tomorrow will be a very difficult day for the State of Israel. A wrenching day, a day of grief. We are bringing home four of our beloved hostages, deceased.”

Netanyahu emphasized the nation’s determination to prevent such tragedies in the future, calling the perpetrators “monsters.”

“We are grieving, we are in pain, but we are also determined to ensure that such a thing never happens again.”

IDF Confirms Return of Three Other Hostages

Earlier on February 15, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the successful return of three hostages—Alexandre, Sagui, and Iair—after 498 days in captivity.

In a statement, the IDF wrote:

“After 498 days, Alexandre, Sagui, and Iair are finally home.”

The hostages are being accompanied by IDF and Israel Security Agency (ISA) forces as they return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo a medical evaluation.

The Red Cross facilitated the transfer of the hostages, confirming that they were handed over and are now on their way back.

“The IDF salutes and embraces the returning hostages as they make their way home.”

Ongoing Efforts to Bring Back Captives

Israel continues its diplomatic and military efforts to ensure the safe return of all remaining hostages. The release of the deceased hostages highlights the tragic toll of the conflict, even as negotiations persist.

The Israeli government remains committed to securing the freedom of its remaining captives while ensuring national security.