Israel declares four more hostages are dead in Gaza

A Demonstrator holds sign during a protest calling for the release of the hostages from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Four more hostages kidnapped on October 7 were declared dead by the Israeli military — including three older men 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.