Israeli authorities have confirmed the tragic death of Dror Or, a 49-year-old man held captive in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attack. The announcement came from both the Israeli government and the kibbutz where Or had resided.

His wife Yonat was killed in the initial attack while two of their three children, Noam and Alma, aged 17 and 13, were abducted and then freed in November as part of a ceasefire and hostages-for-prisoners swap deal between Israel and Hamas.

Or's captivity marked the latest grim development in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. His body had been held in Gaza since the attack, which also resulted in the death of his wife, Yonat, and the abduction of their two children, Noam and Alma, who were later freed in November.

Despite efforts by mediators from Qatar, the United States, and Egypt to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages, Or's death underscores the ongoing tensions and human toll of the conflict.

The tragic loss of Or adds to the grim toll of lives lost and families shattered by the violence between Israel and Hamas.

Israel estimates that 129 captives seized by militants during their attack remain in Gaza. The military says 35 of them are dead including Or.