The Al Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed that one of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza died more than a month ago.
Abu Obaida, the military wing’s spokesperson, said on Telegram that Nadav Popplewell, who was 51 years old when abducted, had died of wounds he sustained after an Israeli airstrike hit the place where he was held.
“His health condition deteriorated and he died because he did not receive intensive medical care,” Obaida said.
Popplewell, who has dual British-Israeli citizenship, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nirim on October 7, 2023. His mother, Channah Peri, was also abducted but was released as part of the hostage deal on November 24. His brother Roi was killed on October 7.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office told CNN it did not know whether Popplewell was alive or dead. The Israel Defense Forces declined to comment.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign Office said it is seeking more information about Popplewell.
“The UK government has been working with partners across the region to secure the release of hostages, including British nationals. We will continue to do all we can to secure the release of hostages,” the office told CNN.
This post has been updated with comments from the UK Foreign Office.
