An Israeli father of three who was believed to be held hostage in Gaza was murdered when Hamas militants invaded on Oct. 7, 2023, officials said.

Dror Or, 39, was taken hostage with two of his three children - Noam, 17, and Alam 13 - at their home in Kibbutz Be'eri when Hamas fighters poured across the Israel border, the Israeli government said on X.

"We are heartbroken to share that Dror Or who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, had been confirmed as murdered and his body is being held in Gaza," the posting said.

His wife, Yonat, was also killed on Oct. 7. Her body was found days later, the Times of Israel reported.

Noam and Alma were taken into Gaza.

They were released on Nov. 25 in the temporary ceasefire brokered by Qatar and the United States between Israel and Hamas, the report said.

Yahli, their older son, who was volunteering in a year of national service, wasn't home.

The government said Noam and Alma "are now orphans along with their older brother Yahli."

Fighting in Gaza has continued since Hamas invaded on Oct. 7, killing more than 1,200 people and taking 253 people hostage.

The Times of Israel said 129 hostages taken by Hamas remain in Gaza - although many of them may be dead.

The remainder have been released either before or during the November truce or have been rescued by Israeli troops.