**Tragic Update: Eight Hostages Confirmed Dead Amid Ongoing Conflict**

**In the midst of ongoing conflict, the Israeli government reports a somber update regarding the fate of hostages held by Hamas, revealing eight have been confirmed dead out of those expected to be released under a ceasefire agreement.**

Israel has confirmed that eight of the 26 hostages it anticipated would be released by Hamas in the initial phase of the ceasefire are dead. According to government spokesman David Mencer, this information was offered in a list received from Hamas, which reportedly aligns with Israeli intelligence. Families of the deceased hostages have been informed of their tragic fate.

As the situation develops, seven female hostages were freed in exchange for over 290 Palestinian prisoners, a sign of ongoing negotiations since the ceasefire began on January 19. The Israeli Prime Minister's office announced further releases, including female civilian Arbel Yehud and female soldier Agam Berger, set to happen on Thursday, with additional releases scheduled for Saturday.

The Israeli military has been actively targeting Hamas following a devastating cross-border assault on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deceased and 251 hostages taken. In Gaza, over 47,310 people have reportedly lost their lives since that date, per reports from the Hamas-run health ministry.

Among those still in captivity is Or Levy, 34, who was abducted while attending a music festival with his wife, Eynav, who was tragically killed during the Hamas attack. Or's brother, Michael, expressed his anguish in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square, describing the uncertainty surrounding the status of the remaining hostages as a living nightmare, noting that he has received no updates about Or's potential release.

Reports have emerged of concerns regarding the well-being of three hostages, Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Kfir and Ariel. While Hamas claimed they had perished in an Israeli airstrike, the Israeli military has refrained from confirming their deaths, insisting they remain among the hostages slated to be released.

As negotiations for a second phase of the hostage release are set to begin on February 4, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum is urging the Israeli government to expedite the return of all hostages, emphasizing that the nation feels incomplete without their loved ones.

Some of the recently freed hostages shared harrowing accounts, with many having spent extended periods in underground tunnels, experiencing isolation. In the days leading up to their release, conditions for the hostages reportedly improved significantly, granting them the opportunity to shower and receive better food.

As the conflict continues, the containment and resolution of hostages' situations remain critical priorities for both Israeli authorities and families affected by the ongoing crisis.