Shocking Footage Reveals Tragic Fate of Civilian Hostages Held Captive by Hamas near Gaza Border, Exclusive CNN Report
Hamas-held civilian hostages near Gaza border were tragically killed, as verified CNN videos reveal Four innocent lives were lost, mere feet away from armed militants who had been escorting them A distressing incident exposed through geolocated footage
WARNING: The following footage obtained and verified by CNN shows the tragic deaths of four innocent civilians in the custody of Hamas. They were killed in close proximity to armed militants who were responsible for escorting them near the Gaza border. Viewer discretion is advised.
In a video captured at the kibbutz of Beeri in southern Israel, armed fighters are seen alongside burned cars and a bulldozer in the backdrop. Towards the end of the video, it becomes evident, through the footage shared on a Telegram channel aligned with Hamas, that four lifeless bodies are lying on the ground.
Another video, previously identified by CNN through geolocation, depicts the capture of five Israeli civilians by armed militants in a location very close to the aforementioned spot.
CNN's analysis revealed that the apparel and hairstyles of the bodies and individuals being accompanied by heavily armed militants were identical. The fate of the fifth hostage remains uncertain.
Beeri is only three miles away from the eastern border of Gaza. Together with other nearby towns and settlements like Ofakim, Sderot, Yad Mordechai, Kfar Aza, Yated, and Kissufim, it was one of the initial targets of the Hamas fighters during their Saturday morning killing and hostage-taking rampage, which was unprecedented and meticulously planned.
According to Israeli authorities, up to 1,000 Hamas fighters have crossed the border from Gaza, resulting in the death of over 700 Israelis. As a response, Israel has carried out airstrikes and formally declared war on Sunday. The health ministry in Gaza reported that over 400 Palestinians, including 78 children, have been killed. Additionally, medical care in the region has been further exacerbated by Israel's decision to cut off power to the territory.
Hamas militants have reportedly seized over 100 Israeli hostages, including several high-ranking army officers, according to a spokesperson for the group. The hostages are believed to be held in Gaza, although their fate remains unknown.
Video geolocated by CNN showed five civilians taken captive by Hamas in Be'eri near the Gaza border.
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Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian armed group, has announced that it is currently holding a minimum of 30 hostages in Gaza. The claims made by Islamic Jihad have not been verified by CNN.
Authorities in Israel have stated that numerous Israelis are being held captive in Gaza, although the exact number has not been confirmed. Alongside the Israeli hostages, it is believed that individuals from various other nationalities have also been taken as hostages.
