Gaza hostages

On October 7, 2023, several Hamas terrorists infiltrated southern Israel and managed to take several hundred people back to Gaza as hostages, in addition to murdering over 1,200 people.

Their safety has been the subject of great concern to the Israeli public, who campaign for their release and safety as the IDF's war on Hamas continues. So far, several hostages have been released, most of them due to a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. Several hostages, including some who had been held captive by Hamas for several years prior to the war, were further released as part of the 2025 ceasefire and hostage release deal.

It is currently unknown exactly how many hostages are currently alive in Gaza.

Mediators say 'blame will lie fully with Hamas' should ceasefire deal talks fall apart - report

Senior Hamas officials in Doha are reportedly inclined to support the deal on the table, but no response has been received from Hamas's military leadership in Gaza, N12 noted. 

 Families of hostages, former hostages, and supporters march to the US embassy branch in Tel Aviv, calling for the release of all hostages, July 19, 2025.
The IDF located the shaft to the tunnel where the bodies of the six hostages were found, surrounded by childrens toys in a backyard in Gaza, September 4, 2024.

Why do hostage families fear the IDF's reinvasion of Deir al-Balah, despite past ops.? - analysis

 Israelis demonstrate in Tel Aviv in support of a hostage, ceasefire deal, July 19, 2025.

Hostage families warn IDF against op. in areas where hostages may be

 Former hostage Arbel Yehud attends a Constitution, Law and Justice Committee meeting at the Knesset, in the Israeli parliament on May 19, 2025.

'Hold on to hope, pray you'll get out': Former hostage Arbel Yehoud speaks on her time in captivity


'We can save the next family from the worst': Former hostages rally on horseback at Nir Oz

Some freed hostages, as well as family members of captives, attended a horse rally at Kibbutz Nir Oz to honor those still in Gaza.

 Protesters ride horses in a rally to release the hostages at Kibbutz Nir Oz on July 18, 2025.

IDF confirms false identification following sirens, two IDF soldiers severely wounded in Gaza

Hezbollah chief says group won't relinquish arms to Israel • IDF strikes 90 targets in Gaza Strip• Israeli-Druze group crosses border into Syria

 IDF soldiers operate in Gaza's Beit Hanun, July 2025; illustrative.

Trump says 'another ten hostages' will be released from Gaza shortly

"We got most of the hostages back. We're going to have another 10 coming very shortly, and we hope to have that finished quickly," Trump said.

 (L-R): Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump seen near posters of Gaza hostages (illustrative)

Antony Blinken: US, partners 85% done on Gaza ceasefire before Trump

Blinken noted that while he understood people's frustration and emotions after October 7, he believed more pressure should have been put on Hamas. 

 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, December 5, 2024 (illustration).

Ben-Gvir files lawsuit against journalists, media outlets for NIS 1 m., claims 'false blood libel'

According to the million NIS lawsuit, Ben-Gvir claims that a video of him was taken out of context to make it seem that he doesn’t want the return of the hostages.

 NATIONAL SECURITY Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir speaks to the media before a cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem.

Israel has 'made significant strides' in Qatar talks, Hamas is curbing progress - Israeli official

"The flexibility and constructive approach shown by Israel in the negotiations are not matched by Hamas,” the official said.

 Demonstrators protest for the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip, outside Hakirya Base in Tel Aviv, July 12, 2025.

Hamas says it will not agree to an interim truce if latest round of talks fail

The terrorist organization also said that if an agreement was not reached in the latest round of ceasefire talks, the group would not agree to an interim truce or partial hostage deal in the future.

 Hamas terrorists carry grenade launchers at the funeral of Marwan Issa, a senior Hamas deputy military commander who was killed in an Israeli airstrike during the conflict between Israel and Hamas, February 7, 2025.

Israel at War day 651: What's going on in Syria, Yemen?

Israeli-Druze group crosses border into Syria • Netanyahu tells pope hostage talks progressing • Hamas claims it proposed releasing all hostages • IDF confirms deaths of four terrorists in Gaza

 Members of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas and mourners attend the funeral of Al-Qassam fighters who were killed during the war between Israel and Hamas in the Al-Shati camp, in Gaza City, February 28, 2025.

Former hostage Or Levy opens up about learning of wife’s murder, time with Hersh Goldberg-Polin

Former Gaza hostage Or Levy learned upon his release that his wife Einav was murdered by Hamas.

 Or Levy reunites with three year old son after 491 days in Hamas captivity, February 8, 2025.

Israel makes progress on Gaza talks, Hamas may have 'minor' comments, sources tell 'Post'

One mediator described Israel’s new map as “a breakthrough,” though sources believe at least a few more days well be needed to reach a final agreement.

 Israelis attend a rally calling for the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, outside the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, July 13, 2025.

Hostage Families' Forum asks to join legal case against Netanyahu aide Yonatan Urich

"His actions were not inconsequential; they directly and immediately endangered the lives of hostages at the time," wrote the Forum.

 Yonatan Urich, adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen before a press conference in Tel Aviv on October 3, 2022.