US ‘fears most of the Hamas hostages could be DEAD’: Terrorist group may ‘not have enough’ of the 40 detainees needed in ceasefire talks, disturbing new reports say

The United States fears Hamas may not have enough live hostages to secure a deal that leads to a Gaza ceasefire, reports suggest.

Israel has demanded the return of at least 40 captives if there was going to be a pause in fighting.

But new reports state that most of those taken during the October 7 terrorist attack may already be dead.

International negotiators have been involved in intense talks to reach a deal that leads to a six-week ceasefire.

But the troubling latest reports have sparked more alarm bells and could derail future negotiations. 

Israeli Defense Forces fear there could be twice as many hostages dead as the 34 who are believed to have died in captivity, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Families now face the prospect of never seeing their loved ones again, as the U.S, desperately tries to cut a deal and civilian casualties pile up in Gaza.

Israel has rejected claims they haven’t made the safe return of hostages a priority as it continued its strikes and counter offensives.

Hostages who have been released in the six month since the war began have shared their harrowing experiences.

They include being raped, beaten and having surgeries done by those holding them captive.

Their families have campaigned furiously for their freedom and were this week at the White House petitioning Kamala Harris.

More to follow 

Israel has demanded the return of at least 40 captives if there was going to be a pause in fighting.