Foreign Policy
published : 2023-12-02
Israeli Authorities Confirm Death of Three Hostages Taken into Gaza by Hamas
Grandfather, Kindergarten Teacher, and Photographer among the Victims
![Close-up photo of Israeli authorities announcing the death of the three hostages taken by Hamas.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.tebi.io%2Fheadlinehorizon%2Fphotos%2Fphoto_1545_0.webp&w=3840&q=50)
Israeli authorities have announced the death of three Israeli hostages who were kidnapped by Hamas during their deadly attack on Oct. 7. The hostages were identified as 85-year-old grandfather Aria Zalmanowicz, 56-year-old mother and kindergarten teacher Maya Goren, and 54-year-old father and photographer Ronen Engel.
![A photo of Kibbutz Nir-Oz, the Israeli border community mourning the loss of their fellow community members.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.tebi.io%2Fheadlinehorizon%2Fphotos%2Fphoto_1545_1.webp&w=3840&q=50)
No details were provided on how their deaths were verified.
![A black and white portrait of Aria Zalmanowicz, the 85-year-old grandfather and founder of Kibbutz Nir-Oz.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.tebi.io%2Fheadlinehorizon%2Fphotos%2Fphoto_1545_2.webp&w=3840&q=50)
Israeli officials said Zalmanowicz was recently seen looking sick in a video Hamas released a few weeks ago.
![A photo of Maya Goren, the devoted kindergarten teacher, surrounded by smiling children.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.tebi.io%2Fheadlinehorizon%2Fphotos%2Fphoto_1545_3.webp&w=3840&q=50)
Kibbutz Nir-Oz, an Israeli border community, mourns the loss of their fellow community members.
![An action shot of Ronen Engel, the 54-year-old volunteer photographer and member of Kibbutz Nir-Oz, capturing a powerful moment during a rescue operation.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.tebi.io%2Fheadlinehorizon%2Fphotos%2Fphoto_1545_4.webp&w=3840&q=50)
Kibbutz Nir Oz announced the death of 85-year-old Aria Zalmanowicz. 'Zalman was 85 years old, and was a founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz,' the announcement read. 'Zalman was a father of two and grandfather of five grandchildren. He was a man of the land, dedicated to agriculture his entire life. He was an avid reader, with a wide knowledge of history and the country. May his memory be a blessing.'
![Aerial view of the conflict zone between Israel and Hamas, symbolizing the ongoing violence.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.tebi.io%2Fheadlinehorizon%2Fphotos%2Fphoto_1545_5.webp&w=3840&q=50)
The kibbutz authorities also confirmed the death of Maya Goren, 56. Maya was a mother of four children and a dedicated kindergarten teacher who provided loving care for the kibbutz children throughout the years.
![Negotiators sitting around a table, engaged in intense discussions to form a new, lasting agreement.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.tebi.io%2Fheadlinehorizon%2Fphotos%2Fphoto_1545_6.webp&w=3840&q=50)
Ronen Engel, 54, a member of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a volunteer with Israel's national emergency medical service, Magen David Adom, is mourned by the community. 'Ronen was 54 years old, a member of Kibbutz Nir Oz. Married to Carina and father to Tom, Mika, and Yuval. A photographer, a volunteer in Magen David Adom, and a motorcycle enthusiast,' the announcement read.
![An emotional photo of grieving family members holding each other for support amidst the tragic deaths.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.tebi.io%2Fheadlinehorizon%2Fphotos%2Fphoto_1545_7.webp&w=3840&q=50)
The tragic deaths come at a critical time as the Israel-Hamas conflict intensifies.
![A peaceful landscape of the Israeli countryside, showcasing the agricultural dedication of the community.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.tebi.io%2Fheadlinehorizon%2Fphotos%2Fphoto_1545_8.webp&w=3840&q=50)
The recent cease-fire between Israel and Hamas expired, leading to resumed hostilities.
![A photo of emergency medical service workers from Magen David Adom, highlighting their selfless efforts in saving lives.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.tebi.io%2Fheadlinehorizon%2Fphotos%2Fphoto_1545_9.webp&w=3840&q=50)
Negotiators are now striving to form a new, lasting agreement amidst the ongoing violence.