A new video released by Hamas purports to show the bodies of two hostages, Yossi Sharabi, 53, and Itai Svirsky, 38.
Fighting is still ongoing between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Photo: Reuters
The video also shows Israeli hostage Noa Argamani, 26, appearing to read a text saying both Yossi Sharabi and Itai Svirsky were killed by Israeli strikes.
An Israeli military spokesman said he was deeply concerned about the fate of the hostages shown dead in the video, and clarified that hostage Itai Svirsky did not die as a result of Israeli fire.
“Itai was not fired upon by our forces. That is a lie by Hamas. The building where they were held was not a target and it was not attacked by our forces,” Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said, adding that surrounding areas were targeted.
The three Israeli hostages had previously appeared in a Hamas video on Sunday in which the group called on Israel to stop its offensive in Gaza. The video ended with the caption: "Tomorrow (Monday) we will inform you of their fate."
Forensic officials have said that previous autopsies of the hostages showed their causes of death were inconsistent with Hamas's account that they were killed by airstrikes.
Israel has also made it clear that it is aware of the risks to hostages from its attack and is taking precautions.
Mai Anh (according to Reuters, CNA)
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