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Hamas Hostage Gadi Haggai Confirmed First American Killed by Terror Group

An American Israeli has died after being held hostage by Hamas as his wife remains in captivity.

Gadi Haggai, 73, who has strong ties to New York, is the first US citizen to be confirmed dead while being held hostage by the terrorist group.

Haggai’s murder was confirmed on Friday by the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum.

His wife Judih Weinstein Haggai, 70, is still believed to be a Hamas hostage.

The pair were ambushed and taken by armed terrorists early on October 7 as they took their morning walk outside Kibbutz Nir Oz, their family told the New York Post.

“Gadi was a man full of humor who knew how to make those around him laugh,” the families’ forum group told the Times of Israel.

“A musician at heart, a gifted flautist, he played in the IDF Orchestra and was involved with music his whole life.”

Last month, the family of the retired chef told the Post that both Haggai and Weinstein had been badly injured.

“We know that they were badly wounded. We know that [Judih] still had the phone with her to be able to call and ask for help and provide details. But ever since then, we lost all contact with them,” the couple’s niece, Ofri Haggai said.

“We have no idea what happened to them.”

“I’m still talking about them in the present because I still want to believe that they are alive,” she said.

“But, really, I don’t know.”

Kibbutz Nir Oz stated that Haggai’s body is still in Palestinian territory.

His family has asked for privacy at this time.

Hamas reportedly took 129 people hostage in the Gaza Strip, according to Israel.

The Family Forum believes that between five and 10 are American citizens.

Of the 129 hostages, 22 are dead, according to the Israeli government.

Haggai’s murder comes after Hamas rejected the offer of a week-long ceasefire in a bid by Israel to get the terror group to release the rest of the female and children hostages.

Israel offered to halt all ground and air assaults in return for 40 hostages that included the last of the women and children as well as elderly male hostages who needed medical treatment.

Egyptian officials said the deal broke down when Haniyeh refused to release any captives until a permanent ceasefire was established, The Wall Street Journal reported.

However, on Thursday morning the US said serious negotiations were still taking place but the prospects remain uncertain.

A temporary truce deal in late November saw 105 of the roughly 240 captives returned to Israel before fighting resumed on December 1.

Four hostages were released before that, and one hostage was rescued by troops.

The bodies of eight hostages have also been recovered, as well as those of three hostages mistakenly killed by the IDF.

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