Israel declares 4 more hostages are dead in Gaza, including 3 older men from Hamas video

The four men were identified as Haim Peri, Yoram Metzger, Amiram Cooper and Nadav Popplewell

Three of them were filmed alive in a hostage video in December titled: ‘Don’t let us grow old here’

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Protesters outside in Tel Aviv, Israel, calling for the release of hostages from Hamas captivity. Photo: AP

Published: 4:14am, 4 Jun 2024Updated: 2:53pm, 4 Jun 2024

Four more hostages kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 were declared dead by the Israeli military – including three older adults seen in a Hamas video begging to be released.

Monday’s announcement heightens pressure on the Israeli government to agree to a US ceasefire proposal that could secure the return of the hostages still held in Gaza and end the eight-month war.

About 80 hostages in Gaza are believed to be alive, alongside the remains of 43 others. In the days since the Biden administration announced the ceasefire proposal Friday, Israel has seen some of its largest protests calling on the government to bring them home.

Israeli leadership has appeared to brush aside US President Joe Biden’s proposal, vowing to keep conducting military operations against Hamas until the militant group is destroyed.

A poster portrait of hostage Nadav Popplewell. Photo: AFP

All four of the men declared dead on Monday night – Nadav Popplewell, Amiram Cooper, Yoram Metzger and Haim Peri – were kidnapped and taken into Gaza still alive, according to the Hostages Forum, a grass-roots group representing the families of the hostages.