"Concerns Mount Over Fate of Israeli Hostages in Gaza"

U.S. officials fear that most of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza may already be dead, with concerns raised over ongoing negotiations for their release. The Israel Defense Forces have confirmed the deaths of 34 hostages, but there are fears that the actual number of casualties could be higher. The report comes amidst intense talks aimed at securing the safe return of hostages, with some Hamas sources indicating their inability to fulfill Israel's demand for 40 living hostages, including elderly individuals, women, and female soldiers.