An examination carried out at the National Forensic Institute has determined that the six hostages whose bodies were discovered over the weekend, were murdered by Hamas terrorists using multiple close-range gunshots. Based on the forensic report, it has been determined that the hostages died around 48-72 hours prior to the examination, specifically between Thursday and early Friday morning.

Earlier this week, the Prime Minister issued a statements including the following:

May G-d avenge them.

Together with the entire nation, my wife and I share in the families’ deep mourning.

I would like to express deep appreciation for our forces, for the brave IDF soldiers and ISA fighters, who risked their lives in order to return our sons and daughters.

I say to the Hamas terrorists who murdered our hostages and I say to their leaders: You will pay the price. We will not rest, nor will be silent. We will pursue you, we will find you and we will settle accounts with you.

Following the discovery of the bodies, President Herzog issued the following statement:

“The heart of an entire nation is shattered to pieces with the news of the murder of Ori Danino, Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lonanov, Almog Sarusi, and Eden Yerushalmi, whose bodies were brought back from Gaza in a military operation.

On behalf of the State of Israel, I embrace their families with all my heart, and apologize for failing to bring them home safely.

We will continue to fight relentlessly against the criminal, terrorist organization Hamas, which has once again proven there is no end to its willingness to commit murder and crimes against humanity.

The blood of our brothers cries out to us. Our sisters and brothers are still there enduring Hell. The supreme covenant between the state and its citizens is to ensure their safety. We have the sacred and urgent mission to bring them home.