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US intelligence officials estimate that most of the 133 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza are already dead, according to a new report.

While the Israel Defense Forces estimate that as many as 34 hostages have died — either during the initial Oct. 7 terror attack or in the past six months of captivity — some American officials believe the actual number is more than twice as high, the Wall Street Journal reports.

The officials, who are familiar with US and Israeli intelligence on the hostage situation, told the Journal that some of the dead hostages were likely killed by injuries, illnesses or by the IDF’s ongoing airstrikes in Gaza.


  Some US officials fear that the majority of the hostages remaining in Gaza are already dead. REUTERS Some US officials fear that the majority of the hostages remaining in Gaza are already dead. REUTERS

  Israelis have held rallies in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem demanding the immediate ratification of a cease-fire deal to free their loved ones. REUTERS Israelis have held rallies in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem demanding the immediate ratification of a cease-fire deal to free their loved ones. REUTERS

The officials noted that their estimates were limited to the intelligence shared by the Jewish State.

Israeli officials have yet to comment on the report.

Among the hostages, US officials say five are American citizens, though it is unclear whether they are alive.

Eight Thai nationals, a citizen of Nepal, a French-Mexican dual citizen and a Tanzanian who has since died are also among the hostages, according to the WSJ.


  Hostage Square, in Tel Aviv, holds dozens of posters of the Hamas captives. REUTERS Hostage Square, in Tel Aviv, holds dozens of posters of the Hamas captives. REUTERS

Hamas is also believed to be holding two Israelis captured before the Oct. 7 attack, as well as the remains of two IDF soldiers killed during Gaza fighting in 2014.

Fears over the state of the hostages have only been compounded this week after Hamas revealed Monday that it was unable to gather 40 living hostages that met Israel’s criteria for a US-led cease-fire proposal.

The plan called on Hamas to submit a list of 40 hostages — including women, the sick and the elderly — to be released in exchange for a six-week truce in Gaza.


  As cease-fire talks lag, Israel continues to launch airstrikes against Hamas sites in Gaza. AFP via Getty Images As cease-fire talks lag, Israel continues to launch airstrikes against Hamas sites in Gaza. AFP via Getty Images

Hamas’ claim that it had “no ability to release 40” abductees is the first statement in months from the terror group regarding the hostages.

The terrorist group has remained tight-lipped over the condition of the kidnapped, only releasing video of a few hostages for propaganda purposes, often blaming Israeli airstrikes for the alleged death of some of the abductees.

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