Three Israeli hostages taken by Hamas have died in captivity, including kibbutz founder
As the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ends, three people from Kibbutz Nir-Oz, including its founder, are confirmed to have died.
Israel-Hamas ceasefire ends as 'fighting resumes'
Three Israeli hostages in Gaza have died, it has been confirmed, as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas comes to an end.
The individuals captured in the October 7 terror attack were identified as Aryeh Zalmanowicz, 85, a founder of Kibbutz Nir-Oz, May Goren, 56, a mother-of-four, and Ronen Engel, 54, a married father of three.
Engel's wife and two daughters, who were also abducted, were released this week.
The tragic incident has deeply affected the close-knit community of Kibbutz Nir-Oz.
READ MORE: IDF strikes Lebanon terrorist cell as bombs fall on Gaza in bloody end to truce
May Goren was a beloved kindergarten teacher.
She was setting up the kibbutz's kindergarten when the attack occurred. Goren and her husband, Avner, who was killed inside their home, leave behind four children.
Ronen Engel, who was a photographer and volunteer for Israel's national EMS organization, was also confirmed dead in captivity.
His body is believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza. Engel's wife and daughters, abducted on October 7, were released on Monday after 52 days in captivity as part of a temporary ceasefire agreement.
Don't miss...
Hamas claims 10-month-old hostage killed alongside family in Israeli airstrike [LATEST]
Dying mom of Israeli kidnapped by Hamas at rave begs to see her 'one last time' [TRAGEDY]
Freed Hamas hostage 'turned in by locals days after escaping captors' [INSIGHT]
On October 7, Karina Engel-Bart, Ronen's wife, was on the phone with her sister before she suddenly said: "They're here, they're here." Communication was lost, and the family's phones were traced to Gaza.
While there were no signs of violence in the house, the fate of Ronen Engel was unknown until now.
Aryeh Zalmanovich played a pivotal role as one of the founding members of the Nir Oz kibbutz, dedicating decades of his life to farming on its grounds.
The announcement by Kibbutz Nir Oz emphasized Zalmanovich's lifelong commitment to the land, describing him as a man deeply rooted in agriculture. His passion extended beyond the fields, as he was also known for his extensive knowledge of history and the land of Israel.
Born in Haifa, Zalmanovich was instrumental in establishing Nir Oz in 1955 and remained devoted to agricultural work there throughout his entire life.
He leaves behind a legacy survived by two sons and five grandchildren.
We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
