The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that two Israelis taken hostage by Hamas on October 7 were brutally murdered while in captivity.

Yagev Buchshtab (Left), a 35-year-old sound technician from Kibbutz Nirim, was known for his humble nature and deep passion for music. Together with his wife Rimon, he cared for several rescued animals. Both were abducted from their home on Oct. 7, however Rimon was later released during the short ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in November.

Alex Dancyg worked at Yad Vashem for about 30 years, training thousands of guides in Holocaust education. Fellow captives reported that Alex spent his time in captivity giving history lectures. Sadly, Sunday would have been his 76th birthday.

The Hostages Families Forum, representing the families of the 120 Israelis still being held captive by Hamas, demanded that the Israeli government approve a deal immediately to bring them all back whether living or deceased.

“This morning’s devastating news about their deaths serves as yet another stark reminder of the urgency to bring home the hostages, who face immediate mortal danger every moment in Hamas’ hell,” the Hostages Families Forum wrote on X.

“Their death in captivity is a tragic reflection of the consequences of foot-dragging in negotiations. We reiterate our demand to the Israeli government and its leader. Time continues to run out for the hostages with each passing week.”

Yagev and Alex’s deaths were confirmed on Monday based on recently discovered intelligence information in Khan Yunis.  Although circumstances of their deaths are currently under investigation, the IDF was operating in certain areas of Khan Yunis in March. At the time, Hamas stated that the hostages had been killed by IDF fire, an accusation not completely unfounded but one that has been used before to cover up their crimes

May their memories be a blessing.