An Israeli source said Thursday that 21 of the hostages still held in Gaza have been verified to be alive, while there are serious doubts surrounding the fate of three others, including two foreign nationals.
Authorities confirmed that 35 captives have died — 32 of them Israeli citizens and three of other nationalities.
As for the three individuals whose condition remains unknown, the official said that no trace or communication has been received from them since the early stages of the conflict. Their families were informed of the situation early on.
“All relevant information held by the Hostage and Missing Persons Division is systematically conveyed to the hostage’s family by an intelligence officer who maintains regular contact with them,” the official noted.
He further explained, “Families of hostages are regularly invited to briefings with the Coordinator for Hostages and Missing Persons, and they are assisted by liaison officers from the military as well as representatives from the civilian Hostages, Missing, and Returnees Directorate.”
In the meantime, the Qatari daily Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported that Egypt has received a new ceasefire proposal from the United States regarding the conflict in Gaza.
An Egyptian official revealed that the plan is intended to establish a more lasting truce in anticipation of President Donald Trump’s upcoming trip to the Middle East. “The proposal would change the current tense situation and lead to negotiations that would end the war and restore calm to the region,” the source said.
The initiative reportedly calls for the creation of humanitarian passageways to deliver aid to Gaza, the release of a select group of hostages — including Idan Alexander — and updated clarity on the fate of the other captives still in Hamas custody.
{Matzav.com Israel}