Eight out of 33 Israeli hostages who are set to be released in the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza are deceased. This information is included in a list provided by Hamas, which the Israeli government has reviewed.
According to government spokesman David Menzor, Hamas claims that the remaining 25 (including those already freed) are alive.
Overall, around 90 hostages are still held by Hamas, and Israeli authorities believe that between a third and half of them were killed during the initial attack or died afterward.
The ceasefire, reached earlier this month after more than a year of negotiations, aims to end the 15-month conflict triggered by Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, as well as to secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
The first phase of the ceasefire will last until early March and includes the release of a total of 33 hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
The second and much more complicated phase is yet to be negotiated. Talks regarding the second phase are set to begin next Monday - on the 16th day of the ceasefire established on January 19.
Hamas has stated that it will not release the remaining hostages without a cessation of hostilities, while Israel has threatened to resume its offensive until Hamas is dismantled.
Both parties have yet to agree on a plan for governing Gaza. Hamas may demand a role in any future government of the enclave, which Israel rejects.