Israel’s military has confirmed the deaths of two men who were taken as hostages by Hamas on 7 October.

“Today, the IDF informed the families of the two hostages Alex Dancyg and Yagev Buchshtab that they are no longer alive,” the Israeli Defence Forces said in a statement on X.

“Alex and Yagev were brutally abducted into Gaza and their bodies are still being held by Hamas.

“The confirmation of their deaths comes after thorough intelligence review and expert committee approval of the Ministry of Health in cooperation with the Ministry of Religious Services and the Israel Police.

“The circumstances of their death in Hamas captivity are being examined by all professional authorities.

“We remain dedicated to gathering information about the hostages in Gaza and we will continue providing support to the families of hostages during this difficult time.”

Mr Buchshtab, a 35-year-old sound technician, and Mr Dancyg, 76, a historian, were abducted from their homes near the border with Gaza during last October’s attack.

Talks to secure a ceasefire in a deal which would include the release of some 120 Israeli captives being held in Gaza in return for Palestinian prisoners are set to resume later this week.

On Monday, the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of part of an area in Gaza which it had initially designated a humanitarian zone.

The military said it is planning to begin an operation against Hamas militants who it believes have embedded themselves in the area.

The area includes the eastern part of the Muwasi humanitarian zone, which is in the southern part of Gaza.

Thousands of Palestinians carrying backpacks and children were reported to be leaving the area earlier today.

“We do not know where we are walking,” said Kholoud al Dadas, as she clutched her children.

“This is our seventh or eighth time we have been displaced.

“While we were sleeping in our homes, they started shooting at us, bombing from everywhere.”

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In Thursday’s fresh talks, US officials will continue to encourage Israel and Hamas to agree a phased ceasefire deal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was heading to Washington on Monday to meet Joe Biden, who dropped out of the presidential race on Sunday.

Mr Netanyahu, who will also address Congress, said regardless of who becomes the next American president, “our enemies must know that Israel and the United States stand together tomorrow and always.”

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