Dror Or, an Israeli hostage held in Gaza since the Hamas attack on October 7, has tragically been confirmed dead by the Israeli government. Or, who was 49 years old, was killed during the attack and his body has remained in Gaza ever since. His wife Yonat was also killed in the attack while two of their three children were abducted and later released as part of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The Israeli government described Or’s death as a heartbreaking loss, with his body still remaining in Gaza. The couple’s two children are now orphans. The government did not explain how they learned of Or’s death but mentioned that mediator countries are waiting for Hamas’ response to a new proposal for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
During a week-long ceasefire in late November, 105 hostages were released, including 80 Israelis and individuals from other countries, in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinians held by Israel. The conflict began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians. Israel believes that 129 prisoners seized by militants during the attack are still in Gaza, with 35 confirmed to have died there including Or. Israel’s retaliatory actions have reportedly killed at least 34,596 people in Gaza, mostly women and children.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community is closely monitoring the ceasefire negotiations and the release of hostages between Israel and Hamas to bring an end to the violence and loss of life in the region.
