Starmer expresses sadness over death of UK-linked hostage Oded Lifshitz

Oded Lifshitz, an 84-year-old hostage linked to the UK, was confirmed dead after his body was returned to Israel by Hamas. His family had not heard from him since he was taken on October 7, 2023. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed sadness over Lifshitz's death and extended condolences to his family. Lifshitz's wife was released two weeks after their abduction, while his daughter, Dr. Sharone Lifschitz, had been advocating for hostages' release. The return of Lifshitz's body is part of a broader prisoner exchange amid a ceasefire. His family described the news as a painful end to 503 days of uncertainty.