IDF representatives informed today (Monday) the families of Chaim Peri, Yoram Matziger, Amiram Cooper, and Nadav Poplovel of blessed memory, who were brutally abducted to the Gaza Strip, that they are deceased and their bodies are held by the Hamas terrorist organization.
The decision to determine their deaths was based on intelligence information and was confirmed by a committee of experts from the Ministry of Health in cooperation with the Israel Police, the Ministry of Religious Services, and the Chief Rabbi of Israel. The circumstances of their deaths while in Hamas captivity are still being investigated by all relevant professional bodies.
The IDF is employing a wide range of methods to gather information about the hostages who remain in the Gaza Strip. The IDF and other security agencies will continue to support the families of the hostages as needed until their return home.