Israel has confirmed that Shlomo Mansour, an 86-year-old Holocaust survivor and the oldest Israeli hostage, was killed by Hamas, raising concerns over the fate of the remaining captives and the stability of the ceasefire deal.
The Israel Defense Forces announced on Tuesday that intelligence gathered in recent months led them to confirm Mansour’s death. Authorities believe he may have been killed during the October 7 Hamas attack on Kibbutz Kissufim. His body is still being held in Gaza.
Mansour was among the hostages set for release under the ceasefire agreement, but the deal now remains uncertain.
His granddaughter, Safir, had previously spoken about his ordeal, revealing that he survived a massacre in Iraq as a child before enduring Hamas’ attack on October 7. According to her, terrorists stormed his home, physically assaulted him, and abducted him in his own car without his hearing aids.
His wife, Mazal Mansour, with whom he shared a 60-year marriage and five children, managed to escape the attack.
Kibbutz Kissufim released a statement mourning Mansour, expressing their grief and calling for the return of all hostages.
“With heavy hearts, we, the members of the kibbutz, received the news this morning about the murder of our dear friend, Shlomo Mansour… kidnapped from his home during the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023.”
The community urged Israeli and world leaders to take decisive action to secure the return of all hostages, both the living and the deceased, to prevent similar tragedies.
According to the Israel Defense Forces, 76 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, with 36 confirmed dead.
United States President Donald Trump issued a warning, stating that “all hell is going to break out” if Hamas does not release all remaining hostages by midday on Saturday.
“I don’t want a trickle. Not three and then two. I want them all,” Trump said.
His administration has expressed frustration after seeing recently released hostages appear emaciated and frail. Trump compared their condition to that of Holocaust survivors and suggested that the hostage deal should be canceled if Hamas fails to comply.
So far, 21 hostages have been freed in exchange for over 730 prisoners. Hamas had previously agreed to release 33 hostages in return for nearly 2,000 detainees. However, the group has since suspended further releases, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire by delaying humanitarian aid—an allegation Israel denies.
The situation has grown increasingly dire, with particular concerns over the youngest hostage, nine-month-old Kfir Bibas. Kidnapped with his family from Kibbutz Nir Oz, Kfir has spent most of his life in captivity under Hamas.
As negotiations remain uncertain, global pressure is mounting on all parties to ensure the safe return of the remaining hostages and prevent further escalation.
