Israel says eight hostages due to be freed in first phase of Gaza deal are dead

A government spokesman says information provided by Hamas overnight matches Israel's intelligence.

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Government spokesman David Mencer told reporters that Israel had received a list from the Palestinian armed group overnight that provided information on the status of the hostages.

"The list from Hamas matches Israel's intelligence, so I can share with you that... eight have been killed by Hamas," he said, without naming them. "The families have been informed of the situation of their relatives."

Seven women have already been freed alive in exchange for more than 290 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails since the ceasefire began on 19 January.

On Sunday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced Hamas had agreed to release female civilian Arbel Yehud, female soldier Agam Berger and one other hostage on Thursday.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce3lynk8493o

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