An association of hostage families announced this Tuesday the death of an Israeli hostage. Kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 during the Nova music festival, Ouriel Barouch’s family was informed by the army of his death, which did not specify the date or circumstances of his death.
An association of hostage families announced Tuesday that an Israeli hostage, kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, had been killed. The Israeli army informed the family of Ouriel Barouch that his body was being held in Gaza, according to this press release, which did not specify the date or circumstances of his death. “The Tikva Forum of hostage families is in mourning after the announcement of the murder of Ouriel Barouch,” writes the association.
“We will remember his smile and his love for others”
Ouriel Barouch, 35, father of two children, was kidnapped during the Nova music festival, the scene of the massacre of 364 people on October 7 by Hamas commandos. “Ouriel was a joyful man and loved by all… we will remember his smile and his love of others,” said his family, quoted in the press release.
Hamas captured more than 250 hostages in an unprecedented attack on Israeli soil. Around a hundred were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners during a truce in fighting at the end of November. According to the results of the Israeli authorities, 130 are missing, including 34 dead. The October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of more than 1,160 people, the majority civilians, according to an AFP count based on official Israeli data. In retaliation, Israel launched an offensive which left more than 32,000 dead in Gaza, the vast majority civilians, according to Hamas.