Hamas has informed Israel that eight of the 26 Israeli hostages set to be released as part of the first phase of the ceasefire are dead, according to reports from NBC News and statements by Israeli officials. 

A spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that these numbers align with information obtained through Israeli intelligence.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire earlier this month. As part of the deal, 33 Israeli hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners are set to be exchanged in the ceasefire’s first phase, which is expected to extend into early March. 

On January 19, Hamas released three hostages, including a dual British-Israeli citizen, in exchange for 90 Palestinian detainees. This past weekend, four female Israeli soldiers were freed in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners.

The ceasefire remains fragile, with both sides accusing each other of violations. 

On Saturday, Israel halted the return of Palestinian civilians to northern Gaza, alleging Hamas had not released a promised hostage, Arbel Yehud. Qatar, acting as a mediator, later announced that Yehud and two other captives would be freed before the weekend.