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Hamas hostages found murdered in Rafah tunnel

IDF reveals hostages struggled before execution in Rafah tunnel

Several Hamas hostages, including Israeli American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, were found murdered in a tunnel in Rafah on August 31. Reports suggest some attempted to defend themselves before being shot.

The victims, apart from Goldberg-Polin, include Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gat, and Almog Sarusi. Their families received distressing details about their final moments during a briefing on the Israel Defense Forces’ investigation.

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The IDF’s investigation, broadcast by Channel 12 News, indicated that many hostages struggled with their captors. Forensic evidence pointed out that Hersh, Ori, Alex, and Almog tried to protect Eden and Carmel before being killed.

People protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa).
Image Courtesy of Associated Press.

The hostages endured severe conditions after being kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7. The tunnel where they were held was extremely cramped, lacking air vents, toilets, and showers. Evidence shown to the families included protein bars, a generator, a small flashlight, a chess set, and several notepads found in the tunnel.

Autopsies revealed the hostages were shot multiple times at close range. The IDF concluded that Hamas terrorists executed them shortly before the bodies were discovered by troops. Security officials suspect the killings were due to fears that information might be revealed by a recently rescued hostage.

What Other Media Are Saying
  • Jpost reports that hostages held in Gaza tunnels by Hamas were starved, suffocated, and brutally murdered just hours before their rescue, fueling calls for a thorough investigation. (read more)
  • Voz reports chilling details of the final moments of six Israeli hostages killed by Hamas, revealing their desperate attempts to defend each other and the conditions of their confinement. (read more)
  • TheYeshivaWorld reports that hostages fought off Hamas killers in their final moments, with the Knesset Security Cabinet horrified by footage from the tunnel. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions asked about this news

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Who were the hostages found murdered in the tunnel in Rafah?

The hostages were Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gat, and Almog Sarusi.

When were the bodies of the hostages discovered?

The bodies were found on August 31.

What did the autopsies reveal about the cause of death?

Autopsies revealed the hostages were shot multiple times from close range.

What conditions were the hostages held in?

They were held in a narrow, low tunnel with no air vents, toilets, or showers.

Why do security officials believe the hostages were executed?

Officials believe they were killed because Hamas feared a rescued hostage would reveal their location.

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Jane Nelson

Jane is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience covering global trends, and investment strategies. She holds a degree in Political science and has worked for several leading publications before joining The Thaiger.

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