Hamas Claims Two Hostages Killed, Israel Refutes Claims

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warns of prolonged captivity for hostages if war ends without their release; violence escalates within Israel.

Hamas has released a video claiming that two of the hostages, Yossi Sharabi and Itai Svirsky, have been killed. Israel's military spokesperson has refuted these claims, stating that the building they were held in was not targeted by Israeli forces.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has warned that if the war against Hamas ends without the release of the hostages, they could remain in captivity for years. He emphasizes the need for military pressure to ensure the release of the hostages.
The conflict has resulted in the death of over 24,100 people in the Gaza Strip and 1,200 people in Israel. The violence has also spread to the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where Israeli forces have killed at least 297 people.
US President Joe Biden has pledged to continue efforts to free the hostages, stating that they and their families have been at the forefront of his mind as his national security team works to secure their freedom.
Violence has escalated within Israel itself, with car-ramming attacks in the central Israeli town of Raanana resulting in one death and 17 injuries.