US officials fear most of Hamas’ hostages in Gaza are already dead: report

( NYPost )

US intelligence officials estimate that most of the 133 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza are already dead, according to a new report.

While the Israel Defense Forces estimate that as many as 34 hostages have died — either during the initial Oct. 7 terror attack or in the past six months of captivity — some American officials believe the actual number is more than twice as high, the Wall Street Journal reports.

The officials, who are familiar with US and Israeli intelligence on the hostage situation, told the Journal that some of the dead hostages were likely killed by injuries, illnesses or by the IDF’s ongoing airstrikes in Gaza.

The officials noted that their estimates were limited to the intelligence shared by the Jewish State.

Israeli officials have yet to comment on the report.

Among the hostages, US officials say five are American citizens, though it is unclear whether they are alive.

Eight Thai nationals, a citizen of Nepal, a French-Mexican dual citizen and a Tanzanian who has since died are also among the hostages, according to the WSJ.

Hamas is also believed to be holding two Israelis captured before the Oct. 7 attack, as well as the remains of two IDF soldiers killed during Gaza fighting in 2014.

Fears over the state of the hostages have only been compounded this week after Hamas revealed Monday that it was unable to gather 40 living hostages that met Israel’s criteria for a US-led cease-fire proposal.

The plan called on Hamas to submit a list of 40 hostages — including women, the sick and the elderly — to be released in exchange for a six-week truce in Gaza.

Hamas’ claim that it had “no ability to release 40” abductees is the first statement in months from the terror group regarding the hostages.

The terrorist group has remained tight-lipped over the condition of the kidnapped, only releasing video of a few hostages for propaganda purposes, often blaming Israeli airstrikes for the alleged death of some of the abductees.