The military wing of Hamas confirms that seven captives held in Gaza have died due to Israeli bombardment, following an investigation. The spokesperson for Hamas’s Qassam Brigades, Abu Obeida, made the announcement on Friday via the Telegram app. The group had lost contact with the fighters holding the captives, prompting the investigation over the past few weeks. Hamas seized about 250 Israelis and foreigners on October 7, with approximately 130 still believed to be held captive. While three of the captives mentioned in Friday’s statement were identified, it was not specified when the seven had died. The Qassam Brigades stated that the total number of captives killed by Israeli military operations may exceed 70. Truce talks are currently ongoing between Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel has stated that it will not proceed with negotiations until Hamas provides a list of Israeli captives still alive in Gaza and clarifies the number of Palestinian prisoners it wants released as part of a potential deal.