As uncertainty looms over the future of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip following mutual accusations between Hamas and Israel, the fate of the oldest hostage held by the group has been revealed.

On Tuesday, the Israeli army announced the death of Shlomo Mansour, 86, during the surprise attack launched by Hamas on settlements surrounding Gaza on October 7, 2023.

• Hamas and Israel Exert Pressure on Each Other Ahead of the Fifth Hostage Release

• The Second Phase of the Gaza Agreement… Hamas Announces the Start of Negotiations

A statement from the army, circulated by Israeli media, specified that Shlomo was killed in Kibbutz Kissufim and that his body was transferred to Gaza that same day.

The announcement of his death is based on intelligence gathered over several months, according to the army, which also stated that its information relied on reports from recently released hostages.

Shlomo Mansour was supposed to be released as part of the first phase of the hostage exchange deal.

• Secret Hamas Document Reveals Date of October 7 Attack Decision

• Hamas and “the Bibas mystery”: Kidnapped with his family, but returned alone

Hamas had previously announced that eight of the thirty-three hostages included in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement were no longer alive, but did not disclose their identities.

The announcement of Shlomo Mansour’s death coincides with a protest attended by hundreds of people, including families of hostages still held in Gaza, near the Knesset building, demanding the continuation of the deal.

• Hamas Confirms the Death of Five Senior Al-Qassam Commanders, Including Mohammed Deif

• Trump Pressures Egypt to ‘Hold Hamas Accountable’

Earlier in the day, demonstrators also blocked Highway 1 leading to Tel Aviv, before traffic resumed as normal.

The protesters urged the Israeli government to send a delegation to Doha with full authorization to negotiate the second phase of the deal before the security cabinet meeting scheduled later in the day, which will discuss the response to Hamas indefinitely postponing the release of the hostages.

• Hamas Counts Israeli Hostages in Preparation for a Possible Exchange

• Hamas Forced to Accept Any Ceasefire Offer as Options Dwindle

• Hamas Rejects Short Ceasefire