فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
June 4, 2024, Rafah
The Israeli army announced on Monday the death of four hostages held by the Palestinian Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, amidst growing doubts about the chances of success for the ceasefire plan announced by U.S. President Joe Biden.
New Casualties in Gaza
In the besieged and devastated Palestinian territories, at least 40 people were killed in the past 24 hours due to continued Israeli bombings on several areas, including Rafah, according to the Ministry of Health under the Hamas government.
Identity of the Hostages
In a statement, the army reported informing the families of Chaim Peri, Yoram Metzger, Amiram Cooper, and Nadav Popplewell of their deaths. These hostages were kidnapped during the unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7 in southern Israel and taken to neighboring Gaza. Their bodies remain in the hands of Hamas.
Details of the Attack
The Israeli army estimates that the hostages were killed while together in an area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza during an operation against Hamas there. Chaim Peri (80), Yoram Metzger (80), and Amiram Cooper (84) were from the Nir Oz kibbutz, while Nadav Popplewell, who held both Israeli and British citizenship, was kidnapped from the Nirim kibbutz.
International Reactions
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nadav Popplewell, extending his condolences to his family and urging Hamas to release the remaining hostages. The Hostage Families Forum also emphasized the need for the hostages to return home alive to their country and families.
Biden’s Peace Plan
President Joe Biden announced a peace plan that includes a six-week ceasefire, an Israeli withdrawal from densely populated areas of Gaza, and the release of some hostages and sick Palestinian prisoners. However, Israel deemed the plan “incomplete,” stressing the necessity to destroy Hamas and free all hostages.
Continued Bombardment
Despite international protests, the Israeli army continues its offensive in Rafah, aiming to destroy the last Hamas battalions in the area. Reports indicate dozens killed due to ongoing bombings across different parts of the Gaza Strip, exacerbating civilian suffering.
Humanitarian Situation
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating, with residents suffering from severe shortages of water, food, and safe shelter. According to the United Nations, approximately 2.4 million Palestinians in Gaza face the risk of hunger and death amid growing calls for an immediate ceasefire.
The warring parties continue to exchange accusations as international efforts persist to end the conflict, which has claimed thousands of civilian lives and led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.
