what is not excluded –

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed the deaths of two hostages, kidnapped and held together by Hamas in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip. They are Alex Dancyg, 75, and Yagev Buchshtav, 35. Their deaths occurred months ago while the Israeli military was engaged in a military operation in Khan Younis, the IDF said, citing intelligence information. The Times of Israel explains that the army did not provide details on the circumstances of their deaths, citing an ongoing investigation: the possibility that they were killed by Israeli fire is being investigated, the newspaper explains.

Dancyg and Buchshtav were kidnapped by Hamas from their homes in Kibbutz Nir Oz and Kibbutz Nirim during the October 7 assault. In March, Hamas claimed that Buchshtav died from lack of food and medicine and Dancyg was killed by Israeli fire. The Palestinian terrorists’ claims have never been confirmed by the IDF. Buchshtav’s wife, Rimon Kirsht Buchshtav, was kidnapped with him and later released on November 28 as part of a deal with Hamas to free some prisoners.