Gaza war hostage crisis

{{Short description|Hostages taken into Gaza (2023–2026)}} {{For|a list of the hostages|List of Gaza war hostages}} {{redirect|Israeli hostages|those unrelated to the Gaza war|Category:Israeli people taken hostage}} {{protection padlock|small=yes}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2026}} {{Infobox military conflict | conflict = Gaza war hostage crisis | partof = the Gaza war | image = Iron Swords 141023 Kirya Bring The Home 02.jpg | image_size = 300px | caption = Kidnapped posters in Tel Aviv calling for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza | date = 7 October 2023 – 26 January 2026{{efn|All living captives were released by 13 October 2025. The remains of the last remaining captive were recovered on 26 January 2026.}} ({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|day1=7|month1=10|year1=2023|day2=26|month2=1|year2=2026|duration=no}}) | place = Gaza Strip and Israel; some Palestinian prisoners were released to the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the first ceasefire deal | territory = | result = 251 hostages kidnapped to Gaza,{{efn|Excludes four hostages held in Gaza prior to the 7 October attacks, and 17 additional hostages held inside Israel on the day of the attack.}} 85 of whom were killed<ref name="wapointeractive">{{Cite web |last=Bisset |first=Victoria |last2=Ledur |first2=Júlia |last3=Shapiro |first3=Leslie |last4=Javaid |first4=Maham |title=Hamas took 251 hostages from Israel into Gaza. What happened to them? |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/hamas-hostages-israel-war-gaza/ |access-date=31 January 2026 |website=Washington Post |language=en}}</ref> | combatant1 = '''Involved in negotiations:''' {{flag|Hamas}} {{flag|Palestinian Islamic Jihad}} | combatant2 = '''Citizens held hostage''' {{flag|Israel}} {{flag|Thailand}} {{flag|Nepal}} {{flag|Philippines}} {{flag|Tanzania}} {{Collapsible list |title= Additional nationalities:{{efn|Many Israeli citizens taken hostage had citizenship from additional countries.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=AFP |author-link1=Agence France-Presse |author2=ToI Staff |author-link2=The Times of Israel |date=27 October 2023 |title=200 foreigners, dual nationals cut down in Hamas assault. Here's where they were from |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/200-foreigners-dual-nationals-cut-down-in-hamas-assault-heres-where-they-were-from/ |access-date=15 November 2025 |website=The Times of Israel |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 November 2025 |title=3 hostages still in Gaza |url=https://www.hopeforhostages.com/ |access-date=15 November 2025 |website=hopeforhostages.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author1=AFP |author-link1=Agence France-Presse |date=23 October 2023 |title=Foreigners killed, abducted or missing after Hamas attack |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231018-foreigners-killed-abducted-or-missing-after-hamas-attack |access-date=16 November 2025 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref>}} |expand= |{{flag|Argentina}} |{{flag|Germany}} |{{flag|United States}} |{{flag|Russia}} |{{flag|France}} |{{flag|Poland}} |{{flag|Hungary}} |{{flag|United Kingdom}} |{{flag|Austria}} |{{flag|Bulgaria}} |{{flag|Romania}} |{{flag|Canada}} |{{flag|Denmark}} |{{flag|Netherlands}} |{{flag|South Africa}} |{{flag|Mexico}} |{{flag|Italy}} |{{flag|Serbia}} |{{flag|Colombia}} |{{flag|Ethiopia}} |{{flag|Portugal}} |{{flag|Ukraine}} |{{flag|Brazil}} |{{flag|Uruguay}} |{{flag|Ireland}} |{{flag|Spain}}  |titlestyle= background-color:transparent; text-align:left; font-weight:normal}}| | units1 = '''Holding hostages:''' {{flagicon|Hamas}} Al-Qassam Brigades {{military|Palestinian Islamic Jihad}} {{military|PFLP}} {{military|Popular Resistance Committees}} {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} Mujahideen Brigades | units2 = {{military|Israel}} {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Israel Police.svg}} YAMAM {{Flagicon image|}} Shin Bet | strength1 =  | strength2 =  | commander1 = {{flagicon|Hamas}} Yahya Sinwar{{KIA|Killing of Yahya Sinwar}} '''In negotiations''' {{flagicon|Hamas}} Ismail Haniyeh{{assassinated|Assassination of Ismail Haniyeh}} {{flagicon|Hamas}} Khalil al-Hayya {{flagicon|Hamas}} Basem Naim<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/sky-news-host-laura-jayes-slams-hamas-head-of-international-relations-basem-naim-october-7-claims-in-tense-back-and-forth-ahead-of-gaza-ceasefire/news-story/96450d65bd7a5295f231cfdc3722e999|title=Sky News host Laura Jayes slams Hamas head of international relations Basem Naim October 7 claims in tense back and forth ahead of Gaza ceasefire | work = Sky News Australia |date=24 November 2023 |last=Evans |first=Lauren |access-date=14 July 2025}}</ref> {{flagicon|Hamas}} Osama Hamdan | commander2 = {{flagicon|Israel}} Benjamin Netanyahu '''In negotiations''' {{flagicon|Israel}} Ron Dermer {{flagicon|Israel}} David Barnea {{flagicon|Israel}} Ronen Bar {{flagicon|Israel}} Nitzan Alon | casualties1 = | casualties2 = | campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Gaza war}} }}

In the wake of the October 7 attacks that sparked the Gaza war, Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups abducted 251 people from Israel to the Gaza Strip,<ref> *{{cite news |title=Israel-Gaza war: What we know about the captives taken by Hamas |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/3/what-do-we-know-about-the-israeli-captives-held-by-hamas |work=Al Jazeera |date=7 October 2023 |access-date=3 November 2023 |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215064234/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/3/what-do-we-know-about-the-israeli-captives-held-by-hamas |url-status=live}} *{{Cite news |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |others=ToI Staff and Agencies |title=Israel confirms civilians and soldiers abducted by Hamas into Gaza|date=7 October 2023 |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-claims-to-capture-soldiers-civilians-in-deadly-assault-on-gaza-border-towns/ |access-date=10 October 2023 |work=The Times of Israel |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009225156/https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-claims-to-capture-soldiers-civilians-in-deadly-assault-on-gaza-border-towns/ |url-status=live}} *{{Cite news |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=17 October 2023 |title=Hamas says 250 people held hostage in Gaza |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/16/israeli-hostages-hamas-gaza |access-date=19 October 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=16 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016235352/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/16/israeli-hostages-hamas-gaza |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=9 October 2023 |title=Images of the Mass Kidnapping of Israelis by Hamas |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2023/10/kidnappings-israel-hamas-photographs/675593/ |access-date=10 October 2023 |magazine=The Atlantic |archive-date=10 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010012057/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2023/10/kidnappings-israel-hamas-photographs/675593/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NYT-Vinograd">{{cite news |last1=Vinograd |first1=Cassandra |last2=Kershner |first2=Isabel |title=Hamas Took Scores of Hostages From Israel. Here's What We Know About Them. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/09/world/middleeast/israel-hostages-hamas-explained.html |work=The New York Times |date=9 October 2023 |access-date=9 October 2023 |archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009195144/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/09/world/middleeast/israel-hostages-hamas-explained.html |url-status=live}}</ref> including children,<ref> *{{Cite news |first=Laurie|last=Kellman|date=27 October 2023 |title=About 30 children were taken hostage by Hamas militants. Their families wait in agony |url=https://apnews.com/article/children-hostages-israel-palestinians-gaza-orphan-c8e9f6dd703a9c14161eeb6ca9e25417 |access-date=6 November 2023 |work=Associated Press |archive-date=5 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105212518/https://apnews.com/article/children-hostages-israel-palestinians-gaza-orphan-c8e9f6dd703a9c14161eeb6ca9e25417 |url-status=live}} *{{Cite news |title='Bring them home': UK Sun front page shows faces of 32 children in Hamas captivity |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/bring-them-home-uk-sun-front-page-shows-faces-of-32-children-in-hamas-captivity/ |access-date=6 November 2023 |work=Times of Israel |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106153645/https://www.timesofisrael.com/bring-them-home-uk-sun-front-page-shows-faces-of-32-children-in-hamas-captivity/ |url-status=live}} *{{Cite news |date=22 October 2023 |script-title=he:240 חטופים: השמות, הפנים, הסיפורים ¡ |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/r17c5000w6 |access-date=6 November 2023 |work=Ynet |language=he |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106092358/https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/r17c5000w6 |url-status=live}} *{{Cite news |date=20 October 2023 |title=Hamas hostages: what we know so far |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/what-do-we-now-about-hamas-hostages-2023-10-19/ |access-date=6 November 2023 |work=Reuters |archive-date=5 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105130916/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/what-do-we-now-about-hamas-hostages-2023-10-19/ |url-status=live}} *{{Cite web |date=8 October 2023 |title=What is Known About Israeli Hostages Taken by Hamas |url=https://www.ajc.org/news/what-is-known-about-israeli-hostages-taken-by-hamas |access-date=6 November 2023 |website=American Jewish Committee |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106154242/https://www.ajc.org/news/what-is-known-about-israeli-hostages-taken-by-hamas |url-status=live}}</ref> women, and elderly people.<ref>{{Cite AV media |script-title=he:יפה בת ה-85 נחטפה לעזה: "מה היא עוברת שם, מפרק לי את הלב" |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYytwfua9TM |access-date=16 November 2023 |language=he |via=YouTube |archive-date=16 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116202142/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYytwfua9TM |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Guardian-Jones">{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Sam |last2=Fidler |first2=Matt |title=Who are the hostages taken by Hamas from southern Israel?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/18/who-are-hostages-taken-by-hamas-from-southern-israel |date=18 October 2023 |work=The Guardian |access-date=18 October 2023 |archive-date=18 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018104401/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/18/who-are-hostages-taken-by-hamas-from-southern-israel |url-status=live}}</ref> Almost half of the hostages were foreign nationals or had multiple citizenships,<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 October 2023 |title=More than half of Hamas' hostages have foreign nationality – Israel |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/more-than-half-hamas-hostages-have-foreign-nationality-israel-2023-10-25/ |access-date=6 November 2023 |work=Reuters |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106003621/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/more-than-half-hamas-hostages-have-foreign-nationality-israel-2023-10-25/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and some hostages were Negev Bedouins.<ref name="france24-20231017">{{Cite news |date=17 October 2023 |title=Israel's Negev Bedouins, forgotten victims of the Hamas attack, rally to provide aid |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231017-negev-bedouins-israel-s-forgotten-victims-of-the-hamas-attack-rally-to-provide-aid |access-date=25 April 2024 |work=France 24}}</ref> The hostages were held in different locations in the Gaza Strip.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Johanna|last=Afriat|date=8 October 2023 |title=Hamas plans to use Israeli civilian hostages as human shields |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel-at-war/1696753484-hamas-plans-to-use-israeli-civilian-hostages-as-human-shields |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010155021/https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel-at-war/1696753484-hamas-plans-to-use-israeli-civilian-hostages-as-human-shields |archive-date=10 October 2023 |access-date=10 October 2023 |work=I24news}}</ref>

168 hostages were returned alive to Israel, with 105 released in the 2023 Gaza war ceasefire, five released by Hamas outside the framework of any ceasefire agreement, eight rescued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), 30 released during the January 2025 Gaza war ceasefire.<ref name="TOI231130" /><ref name="CNNWhoAre">{{Cite news |last1=John |first1=Tara |last2=Izso |first2=Lauren |last3=Michaelis |first3=Tamar |last4=Tanno |first4=Sophie |date=27 August 2024 |title=Who are the hostages freed during the Israel-Hamas conflict? |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2023/12/world/hostage-israel-hamas-deal-dg/ |access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |work=BBC News |accessdate=13 May 2025 |date=12 May 2025 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c30qlp9qyq1t |title=Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander returns to Israel after release by Hamas}}</ref> The 20 remaining living hostages were released as part of the Gaza peace plan on 13 October 2025.

The bodies of 85 hostages were repatriated to Israel, who were killed on 7 October 2023 or in Hamas captivity.{{efn|name=notincludingeither|Excludes Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, whose bodies were captured prior to the war; Shaul's body was recovered during the war and Goldin's under the Gaza peace plan.}}<ref name="wapointeractive" /><ref name="MtM">{{Cite web|url=https://oct7map.com/|title=Mapping the Massacres|website=oct7map.com|accessdate=29 October 2025}}</ref> Three had escaped captivity, and were killed in a friendly fire incident by IDF troops.<ref name="NBC News 2023" /><ref name="byproduct"/> An additional 48 hostages were recovered in military operations,<ref name="Boxerman16112023" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Israel Army Says Bodies Of 2 Hostages Recovered In Gaza Operation |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/israel-army-says-bodies-of-2-hostages-recovered-in-gaza-operation-4662113 |access-date=15 December 2023 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215084858/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/israel-army-says-bodies-of-2-hostages-recovered-in-gaza-operation-4662113 |url-status=live}}</ref> 8 were returned in the January 2025 ceasefire deal, and 27 during the Gaza peace plan.{{efn|name=notincludingeither}}<ref name="fourreturned">{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-accuses-hamas-of-violating-deal-after-group-says-its-only-releasing-4-bodies/ |work=Times of Israel |accessdate=14 October 2025 |date=13 October 2025 |title=Israel receives 4 hostages' bodies from Red Cross; demands Hamas hand over the other 24}}</ref> The body of the last hostage, Ran Gvili, was recovered by Israeli forces from a cemetery in northern Gaza on 26 January 2026.<ref name="APNews260126">{{#invoke:Cite|web |title=Israel recovers the last hostage's remains in Gaza. Ceasefire moves into tricky new phase|url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-rafah-26-1-2026-c0b373a26ef7f4524b9b2bdad766cfda|date=26 January 2026 |access-date=26 January 2026 |website=Associated Press}}</ref>

The return of the hostages was a goal of the Israeli operation in Gaza. Its status as the main goal has been debated by Israeli politicians.<ref>{{cite news|first= Emanuel |last=Fabian |title=IDF says chief war goal is return of hostages, contradicting Netanyahu's position |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-says-chief-war-goal-is-return-of-hostages-contradicting-netanyahus-position/ |access-date=14 May 2025 |work=The Times of Israel |date=2 May 2025}}</ref>

Hamas offered to release all hostages in exchange for Israel releasing all 5,200 Palestinian prisoners at the start of the war.<ref name="allforall" /><ref name="aj1">{{cite news |date=8 October 2023 |title=Why are so many Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/8/why-are-so-many-palestinian-prisoners-in-israeli-jails |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008155702/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/8/why-are-so-many-palestinian-prisoners-in-israeli-jails |archive-date=8 October 2023 |access-date=9 October 2023 |work=Al Jazeera}}</ref> Several countries have been involved in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with Qatar taking the lead.<ref name="Guardian-Burke">{{Cite news |last=Burke |first=Jason |title=Two Israeli hostages released as efforts intensify to free people held by Hamas |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/23/efforts-to-free-gaza-hostages-intensify-amid-reports-some-may-soon-be-released |date=23 October 2023 |access-date=23 October 2023 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=23 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023182204/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/23/efforts-to-free-gaza-hostages-intensify-amid-reports-some-may-soon-be-released |url-status=live}}</ref>

Israel and Hamas agreed on 22 November 2023 to a four-day ceasefire and the release of 50 women and children held hostage in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.<ref name="APFirstSwap"/><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Jack |first1=Jeffery |last2=Federman |first2=Josef |date=21 November 2023 |title=Israeli Cabinet approves cease-fire with Hamas that includes release of some 50 hostages |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-21-2023-39f5ae0bdb4e32f0e69115aa43446132 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122022113/https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-21-2023-39f5ae0bdb4e32f0e69115aa43446132 |archive-date=22 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Secrecy and public anger: how the Israel/Hamas ceasefire deal came about |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/22/secrecy-public-anger-israel-hamas-ceasefire-deal |access-date=23 November 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=23 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123030419/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/22/secrecy-public-anger-israel-hamas-ceasefire-deal |archive-date=23 November 2023}}</ref> By the last day of the ceasefire on 30 November 2023, 105 civilian hostages had been released, including 81 people from Israel, 23 Thais and one Filipino.<ref name="TOI231130">{{cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-frees-2-israeli-women-with-6-8-more-set-for-return-thursday-alongside-3-bodies/ |title=8 Israeli hostages freed from Gaza at end of seventh day of truce|work=The Times of Israel |date=30 November 2023 |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130193224/https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-frees-2-israeli-women-with-6-8-more-set-for-return-thursday-alongside-3-bodies/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Two Argentinian-Israeli civilians were rescued in Operation Golden Hand on 12 February 2024, during which 94–100+ Palestinians were killed. Hamas insinuated on 2 September 2024 that it would kill any hostage that the IDF attempted to rescue with military force, so that Israel could only receive the hostages back by negotiating an exchange of Palestinian prisoners.<ref name="jpost20240902">{{cite news |date=2 September 2024 |title=Hamas admits to killing hostages, releases video of slain hostage Eden Yerushalmi |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-817458 |work=Jerusalem Post}}</ref><ref name="hamas-armed-wing-says-new-instructions-were-given-guards-israeli-hostages-gaza">{{Cite news |last1=Al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |last2=Taha |first2=Jaidaa |date=2 September 2024 |title=Hamas says hostage guards in Gaza have been operating under new instructions |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-armed-wing-says-new-instructions-were-given-guards-israeli-hostages-gaza-2024-09-02/ |work=Reuters}}</ref> It was announced on 15 January 2025 that Hamas would release 33 out of 98 hostages in a first phase that included infants, children, women, elderly men, and younger men with injuries or health issues.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ott |first=Haley |date=15 January 2025 |title=Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release deal reached |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-hamas-ceasefire-hostage-release-deal-reached/ |access-date=15 January 2025 |work=CBS News}}</ref> Israel released more than 1,000 Palestinians being held in Israeli prisons in exchange.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Boxerman |first1=Aaron |last2=Shbair |first2=Bilal |last3=Yazbek |first3=Hiba |last4=Kershner |first4=Isabel |last5=Maag |first5=Christopher |date=19 January 2025 |title=Gazans and Israelis Dare to Hope as Cease-Fire Takes Hold |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/19/world/middleeast/gazans-and-israelis-dare-to-hope-as-cease-fire-takes-hold.html |access-date=20 January 2025 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

==Background== {{see also|Palestinian prisoners in Israel|List of Arab–Israeli prisoner exchanges}} The issue of hostages and prisoners is considered emotional for both Israelis and Palestinians.<ref name="aj1" /> Since 1967, between 750,000 and 1 million Palestinians have been arrested by Israel.<ref name="Debre-2023" /><ref name="aj1" /><ref>{{cite news |date=10 July 2023|title=Special Rapporteur Says Israel's Unlawful Carceral Practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory Are Tantamount to International Crimes and Have Turned it into an Open-Air Prison |work=UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner |publisher=United Nations |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/news/2023/07/special-rapporteur-says-israels-unlawful-carceral-practices-occupied-palestinian |url-status=live |access-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711181212/https://www.ohchr.org/en/news/2023/07/special-rapporteur-says-israels-unlawful-carceral-practices-occupied-palestinian |archive-date=11 July 2023}}</ref> As of October 2023, Israel held 5,200 Palestinian prisoners,<ref>{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Graeme |date=7 October 2023 |title=Palestinian groups have used soldiers as bargaining chips in the past |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-middle-east-67037895/page/8 |url-status=live |access-date=13 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016115201/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-middle-east-67037895/page/8 |archive-date=16 October 2023}}</ref> including 170 children.<ref name="aj1" /> (By November 2023, the number of Palestinian prisoners, including suspected militants and Gazans had increased to 10,000.<ref name="Jazeera-2023">{{Cite news |title=What we know about the captives taken by Hamas |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/3/what-do-we-know-about-the-israeli-captives-held-by-hamas |access-date=3 November 2023 |work=Al Jazeera |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215064234/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/3/what-do-we-know-about-the-israeli-captives-held-by-hamas |url-status=live}}</ref>) Some have been convicted on terrorism-related charges.<ref>{{Cite news |title=What We Know About Palestinians Detained in Israel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/28/world/middleeast/palestinians-detained-in-israel.html |work=The New York Times |date=28 March 2024 |last1=Boxerman |first1=Aaron}}</ref> UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese described many convictions as resulting from "a litany of violations of international law, including due process violations, that taint the legitimacy of the administration of justice by the occupying power."<ref>{{Cite news |first=Lazar |last=Berman |date=10 July 2023 |title=UN report: Israel's West Bank policies are undermining international legal order |work=The Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/un-report-israels-west-bank-policies-are-undermining-international-legal-order/}}</ref> About 1,310 Palestinians are held in administrative detention, a practice that allows Israel to detain Palestinians indefinitely without charges or trial.<ref name="Fayyad 2023">{{Cite web |last=Fayyad |first=Abdallah |date=22 November 2023 |title=Why Israel imprisons so many Palestinians |url=https://www.vox.com/world-politics/2023/11/22/23972908/palestinian-prisoners-israel-administrative-detention |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=Vox |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205135301/https://www.vox.com/world-politics/2023/11/22/23972908/palestinian-prisoners-israel-administrative-detention |url-status=live}}</ref> Israel justifies this practice citing security reasons.<ref name="CBC News 2023">{{cite news |date=8 October 2023 |title=Israel formally declares war, approves 'significant' steps to retaliate for Hamas attack |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/israel-gaza-hamas-hezbollah-1.6990466 |url-status=live |access-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008232028/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/israel-gaza-hamas-hezbollah-1.6990466 |archive-date=8 October 2023}}</ref>

Hamas has used hostages as bargaining chips for prisoner exchanges,<ref name="Gerlic-2023">{{Cite web |last=Gerlic |first=Yahel |date=9 October 2023 |title=The War Crimes of Hamas: Hostage-Taking in International Law |url=https://www.jurist.org/commentary/2023/10/the-war-crimes-of-hamas-hostage-taking-in-international-law/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126155718/https://www.jurist.org/commentary/2023/10/the-war-crimes-of-hamas-hostage-taking-in-international-law/ |archive-date=26 November 2023 |access-date=26 November 2023 |website=www.jurist.org}}</ref> which is a violation of international law.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=The War on Hamas and International Law |url=https://en.idi.org.il/articles/51141 |access-date=26 November 2023 |website=en.idi.org.il |archive-date=26 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126155719/https://en.idi.org.il/articles/51141 |url-status=live}}</ref> Hostage-taking and the abduction of civilians are prohibited by international law and are war crimes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/11/israel-opt-hamas-and-other-armed-groups-must-release-civilian-hostages-and-treat-all-captives-humanely/ |title=Israel/OPT: Hamas and other armed groups must release civilian hostages and treat all captives humanely |website=Amnesty International |date=7 November 2023 |access-date=29 November 2023 |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202032227/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/11/israel-opt-hamas-and-other-armed-groups-must-release-civilian-hostages-and-treat-all-captives-humanely/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/israel-hostages-hamas-explained.html |title=What to Know About the Hostages Taken by Hamas and Others |newspaper=The New York Times |date=20 November 2023 |author1=Cassandra Vinograd |author2=Isabel Kershner |access-date=29 November 2023 |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107070026/https://www.nytimes.com/article/israel-hostages-hamas-explained. |url-status=live}}</ref> Israel had mostly refrained from negotiating with organizations it deemed as terrorists, opting for military or alternative measures to secure the release of hostages.<ref name="Gerlic-2023" /><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Waldo |first1=Cleary |last2=Epstein |first2=Gabriel |last3=Hilbush |first3=Sydney |last4=Zelin |first4=Aaron |date=11 October 2023 |title=International Reactions to the Hamas Attack on Israel |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/international-reactions-hamas-attack-israel |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016215412/https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/international-reactions-hamas-attack-israel |archive-date=16 October 2023 |access-date=26 November 2023 |website=The Washington Institute}}</ref> However, Israel has engaged in prisoner exchanges with armed groups on several occasions.<ref>{{cite news |date=8 October 2023 |title=Israeli hostages now face a terrifying ordeal |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2023/10/08/israeli-hostages-now-face-a-terrifying-ordeal |url-status=live |access-date=13 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013193449/https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2023/10/08/israeli-hostages-now-face-a-terrifying-ordeal |archive-date=13 October 2023}}</ref>

Notable incidents include the 1994 abduction of Israeli soldier Nachshon Wachsman by Hamas, resulting in his death during a failed rescue attempt by Israel Defense Forces.<ref name="Byman-2011">{{Cite book |last=Byman |first=Daniel |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mYppAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA84 |title=A High Price: The Triumphs and Failures of Israeli Counterterrorism |date=15 June 2011 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-983045-9 |access-date=29 November 2023 |archive-date=23 April 2024 |page=84 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423040722/https://books.google.com/books?id=mYppAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA84#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=11 March 2009 |title=Nachshon Wachsman |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3684709,00.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126155718/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3684709,00.html |archive-date=26 November 2023 |access-date=26 November 2023 |work=Ynetnews}}</ref> Hamas actions were at times aimed at disrupting the peace process in the 1990s.<ref name="Byman-2011" /> In 2006, Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was captured and held for over five years until a prisoner exchange in 2011. Israel secured his release in exchange for 1,000 Palestinians, some of whom were tried as terrorists.<ref name="NYT-Vinograd" /><ref name="Debre-2023">{{cite news |last=Debre |first=Isabel |date=8 October 2023 |title=Israeli hostage crisis in Hamas-ruled Gaza becomes a political trap for Netanyahu |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-military-prisoners-hostage-hamas-soldiers-e75729364f8c0b453da272365c16d136 |access-date=13 October 2023 }}</ref>

The 2014 kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers, Eyal Yifrach, Naftali Fraenkel, and Gilad Shaar, heightened tensions and contributed to opening of the 2014 Gaza War (Operation Protective Edge).<ref>[https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN06928/SN06928.pdf Abduction and murder of Israeli teenagers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126155719/https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN06928/SN06928.pdf |date=26 November 2023}} Standard Note: SN06928 Last updated: 3 July 2014 Author: Rob Page Section International Affairs and Defence Section</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 November 2023 |title=What is Known About Israeli Hostages Taken by Hamas |url=https://www.ajc.org/news/what-is-known-about-israeli-hostages-taken-by-hamas |access-date=26 November 2023 |website=American Jewish Committee |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106154242/https://www.ajc.org/news/what-is-known-about-israeli-hostages-taken-by-hamas |url-status=live}}</ref> Hamas had also held the bodies of two slain Israeli soldiers, Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, since Operation Protective Edge in 2014.<ref name="Gavrielov-2023">{{Cite news |date=13 November 2023 |title=Hamas has held some Israeli hostages since long before Oct. 7 |first=Nadav |last=Gavrielov|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/13/world/middleeast/hamas-israel-hostages.html |access-date=16 November 2023 |archive-date=16 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116004420/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/13/world/middleeast/hamas-israel-hostages.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Schneider|first=Tal|date=21 November 2023|title=9 years after Hadar Goldin's capture in Gaza, fight to declare him 'kidnapped' continues|work=Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/9-years-after-hadar-goldins-capture-in-gaza-fight-to-declare-him-kidnapped-continues/|access-date=26 November 2023|archive-date=26 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126155718/https://www.timesofisrael.com/9-years-after-hadar-goldins-capture-in-gaza-fight-to-declare-him-kidnapped-continues/|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, at the time of its attack, Hamas was already holding two Israelis hostage: Ethiopian Israeli Avera Mengistu (since 2014) and Bedouin Israeli Hisham al-Sayed (since 2015), both released in February 2025. On 31 August 2023, Israel warned its citizens that Hamas was trying to kidnap them.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Berman |first=Lazar |date=31 August 2023 |title=Ahead of High Holidays, Israel warns travelers of kidnapping threat |work=The Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ahead-of-high-holidays-israel-warns-travelers-of-kidnapping-threat/ |url-status=live |access-date=17 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020003454/https://www.timesofisrael.com/ahead-of-high-holidays-israel-warns-travelers-of-kidnapping-threat/ |archive-date=20 October 2023}}</ref>

On 7 October 2023, Palestinian militant groups led by Hamas launched an attack on Israel, initiating the current Gaza war. The attack resulted in thousands of Israeli and legal resident casualties, leading to widespread condemnation and accusations of war crimes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 October 2023 |title=Hamas, Islamic Jihad: Holding Hostages is a War Crime |work=Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/19/hamas-islamic-jihad-holding-hostages-war-crime |access-date=29 November 2023 |archive-date=20 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020003656/https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/19/hamas-islamic-jihad-holding-hostages-war-crime |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Gerlic-2023" /> The use of hostages, primarily women, children, and the elderly, is highlighted as a violation by Hamas of international humanitarian law.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=The Hamas Abductions and International Law |url=https://en.idi.org.il/articles/51162 |access-date=26 November 2023 |website=en.idi.org.il |archive-date=26 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126155719/https://en.idi.org.il/articles/51162 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== 7 October attacks == {{7 October attacks}} {{main|October 7 attacks}}

[[File:Hamas gunmen capturing civilian hostages.png |thumb|Hamas gunmen with civilian hostages from Kibbutz Be'eri]]

On the morning of 7 October 2023, around 6:30 a.m. IST, around 6,000 Palestinians including 3,800 from the Hamas "elite Nukhba forces" launched an attack into Israel from 119 sites on its border with the Gaza Strip.<ref name="jpost20240831">{{Cite news |date=31 August 2024 |title=Probe reveals 6,000 Gazans infiltrated Israel during October 7 massacre – report |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-817176 |access-date=1 September 2024 |work=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref><ref name="timesofisrael20240831">{{Cite news |date=31 August 2024 |title=Report: New IDF assessment shows some 6,000 Gazans invaded Israel on Oct. 7 |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/report-new-idf-assessment-shows-some-6000-gazans-invaded-israel-on-oct-7/ |work=The Times of Israel}}</ref> The operation included attacks on Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bases as well as massacres of Israeli civilians. The ground incursion was combined with a sustained barrage of at least 4,300 rockets.<ref>{{Cite news |title=What is Hamas, what is happening in Israel and Gaza Strip, and other questions |date=7 October 2023 |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67039975 |access-date=10 October 2023 |archive-date=10 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010000828/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67039975 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="jpost20240831"/><ref name="timesofisrael20240831"/>

At around 7:00 am, militants raided many communities and kibbutzim (intentional communities) in the Gaza periphery area of Israel. They killed 1,200 civilians and soldiers.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Tanno |first1=Sophie |last2=Murphy |first2=Paul |last3=Goodwin |first3=Allegra |last4=Brown |first4=Benjamin |last5=Gold |first5=Hadas |last6=Salman |first6=Abeer |last7=Dahman |first7=Ibrahim |last8=Khadder |first8=Kareem |last9=Mezzofior |first9=Gianluca |last10=Stambaugh |first10=Alex |title=Festivalgoers, children, soldiers: What we know about the people captured by Hamas |date=8 October 2023|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/08/europe/israel-hostages-hamas-what-we-know-intl/index.html |access-date=23 October 2023 |work=CNN |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009062732/https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/08/europe/israel-hostages-hamas-what-we-know-intl/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Hoffman |first1=Bruce |last2=Ware |first2=Jacob |title=Israel's 9/11? How Hamas Terrorist Attacks Will Change the Middle East |date=10 October 2023 |url=https://warontherocks.com/2023/10/israels-9-11-how-hamas-terrorist-attacks-will-change-the-middle-east/ |access-date=10 October 2023 |website=War on the Rocks |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011063602/https://warontherocks.com/2023/10/israels-9-11-how-hamas-terrorist-attacks-will-change-the-middle-east/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Economist-2023" /> ''The Economist'' described the combined attacks as "the biggest terror attack in [Israel's] history".<ref name="Economist-2023">{{Cite news |title=Israel has suffered the biggest terror attack in its history. How will it respond? |date=9 October 2023 |url=https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2023/10/09/israel-has-suffered-the-biggest-terror-attack-in-its-history-how-will-it-respond |newspaper=The Economist |access-date=10 October 2023 |issn=0013-0613 |archive-date=10 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010034417/https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2023/10/09/israel-has-suffered-the-biggest-terror-attack-in-its-history-how-will-it-respond |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the initial wave of attacks, civilians were kidnapped and forcibly dragged back to Gaza as captives.<ref name="NYT-Vinograd" /><ref name="Guardian-Jones"/><ref name="NewsNation-2023">{{cite web |title=Kidnapped elderly woman, piles of rubble from rockets: Inside the war in Israel |date=7 October 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOr76XaqdVs |publisher=NewsNation Prime |access-date=10 October 2023 |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009150952/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOr76XaqdVs&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live}}</ref> According to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, around 200 soldiers and civilians were captured or abducted during the raid on the Gaza periphery communities.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yonah |first=Jeremy |title=IDF working on rescue ops for over 200 Israeli hostages in Gaza |date=19 October 2023 |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-769274 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020172403/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-769274 |archive-date=20 October 2023 |access-date=20 October 2023 |work=Jerusalem Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Hamas, Islamic Jihad claim to hold 130 Israelis captive in Gaza, including IDF officials |date=8 October 2023|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-october-8-2023/ |access-date=10 October 2023 |work=The Times of Israel |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008024437/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-october-8-2023/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesperson, reported on 7 October that military officers were among those captured.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Kubovich |first1=Yaniv |last2=Hauser Tov |first2=Michael |date=7 October 2023 |title='Substantial' Number of Israeli Civilians and Soldiers Held Hostage in Gaza, Army Spokesperson Says |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-07/ty-article/.premium/israeli-civilians-and-soldiers-held-hostage-in-gaza-army-spokesperson-says/0000018b-0ac3-dae3-a1cb-bfcb54c90000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125204211/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-07/ty-article/.premium/israeli-civilians-and-soldiers-held-hostage-in-gaza-army-spokesperson-says/0000018b-0ac3-dae3-a1cb-bfcb54c90000 |archive-date=25 November 2023 |access-date=3 November 2023 |work=Haaretz}}</ref> Israel confirmed the identity of 203 captives, among them 30 children,<ref>{{Cite news |title=ICRC confirms 2 American hostages delivered to them by Hamas|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkyhjlkzp |date=20 October 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020174046/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkyhjlkzp |archive-date=20 October 2023 |access-date=20 October 2023 |work=Ynet}}</ref> while Gaza spokespeople reported holding roughly 200, estimating that another 50 were held by other factions.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Fabian |first1=Emanuel |last2=Pacchiani |first2=Gianluca |title=Hamas releases propaganda clip of hostage seized in Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel |date=16 October 2023 |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-releases-first-clip-of-captive-seized-in-october-7-assault-on-southern-israel/ |access-date=19 October 2023 |work=The Times of Israel |archive-date=17 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017020054/https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-releases-first-clip-of-captive-seized-in-october-7-assault-on-southern-israel/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The IDF reported that it captured Hamas manuals instructing fighters to kill difficult captives and use the rest as human shields.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Wood |first=Graeme |title=Hamas's Hostage-Taking Handbook Says to 'Kill the Difficult Ones' and Use Hostages as 'Human Shields' |date=19 October 2023 |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/hamas-hostage-taking-manual/675691/ |access-date=21 October 2023 |magazine=The Atlantic |archive-date=21 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021172110/https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/hamas-hostage-taking-manual/675691/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The UN's Pramila Patten and Commission of Inquiry was unable to substantiate these claims.<ref name="UNSRSGSVC2024"/>

left|thumb|Blindfolded teddy bears covered with red stains (symbolizing blood), at Tel Aviv Dizengoff Square, representing the 30 children who were kidnapped by Hamas Civilians held captive in Gaza included families, children, festival-goers, peace activists, caregivers and elderly adults.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Yaron |first=Lee |title=Eleven Families The October 7 victims include kibbutzniks and Bedouins, leftists and liberals, guest workers and activists. These are their stories |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/10/the-story-of-11-families-who-were-victims-of-hamas.html |date=19 October 2023 |magazine=Intelligencer |access-date=23 October 2023 |archive-date=22 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022232952/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/10/the-story-of-11-families-who-were-victims-of-hamas.html |url-status=live}}</ref> One was 75-year-old historian Alex Dancyg who wrote books on Poland's Jewish community and the Holocaust,<ref>{{cite news |last=Greenall |first=Robert |title=Alex Danzig: Fears grow for much-loved historian kidnapped by Hamas |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67135168 |date=18 October 2023 |work=BBC News |access-date=23 October 2023 |archive-date=22 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022120730/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67135168 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Guardian-Jones" /> and the Bibas family were taken from their home, including a 6-month old and 4-year-old from Nir Oz.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gillott |first=Hannah |title=Six-month-old baby Ariel Silberman-Bibas among those snatched in Israel |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/news/six-month-old-baby-among-17-missing-britons-in-israel-5S47aR0eyN7trIv74e0ZPM |date=12 October 2023 |work=The Jewish Chronicle |access-date=23 October 2023 |archive-date=20 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020144737/https://www.thejc.com/news/news/six-month-old-baby-among-17-missing-britons-in-israel-5S47aR0eyN7trIv74e0ZPM |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Video shows the kidnapping of Shiri Silberman-Bibas and her children by Hamas gunmen |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/video/video-shows-hamas-gunmen-kidnap-shiri-silberman-bibas-and-her-children-194724933949 |date=9 October 2023 |work=NBC News |access-date=23 October 2023 |archive-date=19 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019233812/https://www.nbcnews.com/video/video-shows-hamas-gunmen-kidnap-shiri-silberman-bibas-and-her-children-194724933949 |url-status=live}}</ref>

While many hostages had only Israeli citizenship, about half of the hostages are foreign nationals or have multiple citizenships. Some hold citizenship from France, Germany, Russia, United Kingdom, and the United States.<ref name="Guardian-Burke" /><ref name="Berman-2023a">{{Cite news |last1=Berman |first1=Lazar |last2=Fiske |first2=Gavriel |others=ToI Staff and Agencies |title=Foreign nationals among murdered, abducted and missing in brutal Hamas assault |date=9 October 2023 |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/foreign-nationals-among-murdered-abducted-and-missing-in-brutal-hamas-assault/ |access-date=10 October 2023 |work=The Times of Israel |archive-date=10 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010011630/https://www.timesofisrael.com/foreign-nationals-among-murdered-abducted-and-missing-in-brutal-hamas-assault/ |url-status=live}}</ref> At least seventeen Thai citizens working in greenhouses in the Gaza periphery were also kidnapped.<ref name="Guardian-Burke" /><ref name="Berman-2023a" /><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Beech |first1=Hannah |last2=Suhartono |first2=Muktita |last3=Jirenuwat |first3=Ryn |date=5 November 2023 |title=Half a World Away, Thais Pray for Loved Ones Caught in Hamas Attacks |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/05/world/asia/thailand-hostages-hamas-israel.html |access-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106010217/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/05/world/asia/thailand-hostages-hamas-israel.html |archive-date=6 November 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Bipin Joshi of Nepal was abducted from kibbutz Alumim and murdered in captivity.<ref>{{cite news |title=Taken captive: Bipin Joshi, Nepalese student who deflected grenades |date=16 December 2023 |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/taken-captive-bipin-joshi-nepalese-student-who-deflected-grenades/ |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=The Times of Israel |archive-date=10 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110174009/https://www.timesofisrael.com/taken-captive-bipin-joshi-nepalese-student-who-deflected-grenades/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ben-David |first=Daniel |date=31 July 2025 |title='I love you more than my life': sister of Nepali hostage makes heartbreaking plea for his release |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/world/i-love-you-more-than-my-life-sister-of-nepali-hostage-makes-heartbreaking-plea-for-his-release-x5sdkg0z |access-date=31 July 2025 |website=The Jewish Chronicle}}</ref> One Filipino was abducted and he was released during the 2023 Gaza war ceasefire.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cupin |first1=Bea |title=1 Filipino abducted, 6 missing in Israel |date=9 October 2023 |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/filipino-abducted-missing-in-israel/ |access-date=15 October 2023 |work=Rappler |archive-date=14 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014195052/https://www.rappler.com/nation/filipino-abducted-missing-in-israel/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Hamas also took members of the Negev Bedouin Arab community as hostages.<ref name="france24-20231017" /> {{clear}}

=== Hostages held inside Israel=== {{:List of Gaza war hostages}} The hostages numbers listed in the rest of the article do not include the 17 hostages held inside Israel. Only four of the 17 hostages held inside Israel survived.

=== Media documentation === There is a video depicting at least 64 of the abductees.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Hill |first1=Evan |last2=Lee |first2=Joyce Sohyun |last3=Cahlan |first3=Sarah |last4=Friesen |first4=Gabòr |title=Hamas took at least 64 captives into Gaza, visual evidence suggests |date=12 October 2023|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2023/10/12/israel-hostage-count-videos/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=13 October 2023 |archive-date=13 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013064729/https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2023/10/12/israel-hostage-count-videos/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Video analysis from ''The Washington Post'' shows that some of the captives were killed shortly after their capture.<ref name="KellyCahlan2023">{{Cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Meg |last2=Cahlan |first2=Sarah |date=10 October 2023 |title=Video shows apparent death of Israeli hostages in Hamas custody |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2023/10/09/israel-hamas-hostage-death/ |url-status=live |access-date=10 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009204926/https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2023/10/09/israel-hamas-hostage-death/ |archive-date=9 October 2023 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Images taken by the ''Associated Press'' also showed Yaffa Adar being kidnapped.<ref name="NewsNation-2023" />

On 19 November 2023, the Israeli military released reported CCTV footage that they claimed showed hostages being led into Al-Shifa Hospital on 7 October. This was in the wake of Israel being put under pressure to substantiate claims that Hamas was operating an expansive command center under the hospital leading to its siege. BBC News said that they were unable to verify the video.<ref name="Beake-2023">{{Cite news |last=Beake |first=Nick |date=19 November 2023 |title=Israel says CCTV footage shows hostages were taken to Gaza hospital |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67469591 |access-date=20 November 2023 |archive-date=20 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120000410/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67469591 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Aftermath == [[File:Shabbat Dinner table 1 representing the hostages and missing people, The October 7 attack.jpg|thumb|A "Shabbat Dinner" table at the Tel Aviv art museum plaza, with more than 200 empty seats, representing the hostages and missing held in Gaza]] {{See also|Hostages Square}}

As part of Israel's counteroffensive, Israel implemented a "total blockade" of the Gaza Strip until the hostages have been released.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Chacar |first1=Henriette |last2=Al-Mughrabi |first2=Nidal |last3=Pamuk |first3=Humeyra |date=12 October 2023 |title=Israel links Gaza aid to hostages' release as humanitarian disaster looms |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/biden-warns-iran-over-gaza-israel-forms-emergency-war-cabinet-2023-10-11/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011233856/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/biden-warns-iran-over-gaza-israel-forms-emergency-war-cabinet-2023-10-11/ |archive-date=11 October 2023 |access-date=12 October 2023 |work=Reuters}}</ref> Amnesty International describes this measure as having been "taken to punish civilians in Gaza for the actions of Palestinian armed groups," amounting to collective punishment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 October 2023 |title=Israel must lift illegal and inhumane blockade on Gaza |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/10/israel-opt-israel-must-lift-illegal-and-inhumane-blockade-on-gaza-as-power-plant-runs-out-of-fuel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014001254/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/10/israel-opt-israel-must-lift-illegal-and-inhumane-blockade-on-gaza-as-power-plant-runs-out-of-fuel/ |archive-date=14 October 2023 |access-date=3 November 2023 |website=Amnesty International}}</ref> Israel has also undertaken mass detentions of Palestinians in Israel and the Palestinian territories; several Israeli NGOs described the detention of several thousand Gazan workers as a form of retaliation or "vengeance" for the capture of Israeli citizens.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thousands of Palestinian permit-holders from Gaza are being held in Israel secretly and illegally |url=https://www.adalah.org/en/content/view/10929 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206073936/https://www.adalah.org/en/content/view/10929 |archive-date=6 December 2023 |access-date=3 December 2023 |website=Adalah}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 October 2023 |title=Six human rights organizations in High Court petition against secret and illegal detention of thousands of Palestinian permit-holders from Gaza |url=https://hamoked.org/document.php?dID=Updates2378 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205124532/https://hamoked.org/document.php?dID=Updates2378 |archive-date=5 December 2023 |access-date=3 December 2023 |website=HaMoked}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 October 2023 |title=Israel refuses to reveal information about thousands of Gaza residents being held in Israeli detention facilities |url=https://gisha.org/en/illegally-detained-workers-october-2023-en/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203081423/https://gisha.org/en/illegally-detained-workers-october-2023-en/ |archive-date=3 December 2023 |access-date=3 December 2023 |website=Gisha}}</ref>

[[File:106738 the kidnapped tunnel performance and the accompany PikiWiki Israel.jpg|left|thumb|Performance piece ''The Kidnapped Tunnel'' in Hostages Square in Israel]] American-Israeli author Robby Berman set up a fund offering a reward of a million Israeli shekels for the release of hostages in Gaza, specifically aimed at encouraging Palestinians to aid in the rescue of Jewish hostages.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Klein |first=Zvika |date=12 October 2023 |title=American-Israeli offers 1 million shekels for Gaza hostages release |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-767871 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021002135/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-767871 |archive-date=21 October 2023 |access-date=21 October 2023 |work=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref>

Experts stated that an Israeli ground invasion of the Gaza Strip would endanger the lives of the hostages.<ref>{{cite news |date=24 October 2023 |title=Diplomats Race The Clock To Free Hostages Before Ground Invasion |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/10/24/1198908761/diplomats-race-the-clock-to-free-hostages-before-ground-invasion |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025203933/https://www.npr.org/2023/10/24/1198908761/diplomats-race-the-clock-to-free-hostages-before-ground-invasion |archive-date=25 October 2023 |access-date=25 October 2023 |work=NPR}}</ref> U.S. officials said the Biden administration advised Israel to delay the ground invasion of Gaza to allow more time for hostage negotiations.<ref>{{cite news|first=Alex |last=Marquardt |date=22 October 2023 |title=US seeks delay of Israeli ground incursion for more time for hostage talks |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/22/politics/us-israel-ground-incursion-delay/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102095613/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/22/politics/us-israel-ground-incursion-delay/index.html |archive-date=2 November 2023 |access-date=25 October 2023 |work=CNN}}</ref> According to Israeli officials, once Israel begins a ground invasion of Gaza, it will be almost impossible to reach a deal on the release of the hostages.<ref>{{cite news |date=24 October 2023 |title=Scoop: Israel willing to delay Gaza invasion to discuss large release of hostages|first=Barak |last=Ravid |url=https://www.axios.com/2023/10/24/israel-hostages-delay-invasion-gaza-hamas |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025174012/https://www.axios.com/2023/10/24/israel-hostages-delay-invasion-gaza-hamas |archive-date=25 October 2023 |access-date=25 October 2023 |work=Axios}}</ref> On 24 October, US President Joe Biden rejected calls for a ceasefire, stating "We should have those hostages released and then we can talk".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Magid |first1=Jacob |date=23 October 2023 |title=As EU weighs ceasefire call, US rejects any such push, says it only benefits Hamas |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-eu-weighs-ceasefire-call-us-rejects-any-such-push-says-it-only-benefits-hamas/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025003207/https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-eu-weighs-ceasefire-call-us-rejects-any-such-push-says-it-only-benefits-hamas/ |archive-date=25 October 2023 |access-date=1 November 2023 |work=Times of Israel}}</ref>

== Status of hostages == On 22 October 2023, a list of the 204 hostages was published.<ref>Haaretz reporters. (22 October 2023). "Hostages Held by Hamas: The Names of Those Abducted From Israel". [https://www.haaretz.com/haaretz-explains/2023-10-22/ty-article-magazine/notfe/hostages-held-by-hamas-the-names-of-those-abducted-from-israel/0000018b-55f8-d5d2-afef-d5fdd04e0000 Haaretz website] Retrieved 24 November 2023.</ref>

According to Israel, at least 250 additional individuals were captured on the first day of the war, but rescued that day.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 October 2023 |title=250 Hostages Rescued From Hamas in Raid: Israel Authorities |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwe6Eq5E87|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020095524/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwe6Eq5E87I |archive-date=20 October 2023 |access-date=19 October 2023|publisher=Inside Edition}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=12 October 2023 |title=IDF publishes footage of elite troops retaking Gaza border post from Hamas on Saturday |work=The Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-publishes-footage-of-elite-troops-retaking-gaza-border-post-from-hamas-on-saturday/ |url-status=live |access-date=19 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018083105/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-publishes-footage-of-elite-troops-retaking-gaza-border-post-from-hamas-on-saturday/ |archive-date=18 October 2023}}</ref>

As of 6 June 2024, Hamas refused to allow representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross to meet with the 7 October hostages in Gaza.<ref name="Ghert-Zand-2023">{{Cite news |last=Ghert-Zand |first=Renee |date=20 November 2023 |title=Red Cross 'cannot force its way in' to see hostages, but critics say it could do more |work=The Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/red-cross-cannot-force-its-way-in-to-see-hostages-but-critics-say-it-could-do-more/ |access-date=28 November 2023 |archive-date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128135254/https://www.timesofisrael.com/red-cross-cannot-force-its-way-in-to-see-hostages-but-critics-say-it-could-do-more/ |url-status=live |issn=0040-7909}}</ref><ref name="Zitun-2023">{{Cite news |last=Zitun |first=Yoav |date=23 November 2023 |title=Egyptian official says Hamas refuses Red Cross visit to hostages; Thai captives to be freed as gesture to Iran |work=Ynetnews |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rktviwtva |access-date=23 November 2023 |archive-date=23 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123221907/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rktviwtva |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Haaretz">{{Cite news |title='We Can't Force Our Way In': The Red Cross Confronts Israeli Anger Over Hostages |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/podcasts/2023-12-05/ty-article-podcast/we-cant-force-our-way-in-the-red-cross-confronts-israeli-anger-over-hostages/0000018c-3a54-d5f2-a5cc-7e54eeb50000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101015357/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/podcasts/2023-12-05/ty-article-podcast/we-cant-force-our-way-in-the-red-cross-confronts-israeli-anger-over-hostages/0000018c-3a54-d5f2-a5cc-7e54eeb50000 |archive-date=1 January 2024 |access-date=5 January 2024 |work=Haaretz}}</ref> The hostages are believed to have been dispersed among different Hamas members and factions, as well as among other militant groups, gangs, and families.<ref name="cnn20240410" />

===Negotiations=== {{Broader|2023 Gaza war ceasefire|January 2025 Gaza war ceasefire|Gaza war peace plan}}

On 10 October 2023, the spokesperson for Hamas's military wing Abu Obaida broadcast a message on Al Jazeera that Hamas would not consider any hostage negotiations unless Israel ceased any military effort to respond to Hamas attacks.<ref>"We will not exchange or negotiate on the file of the hostages while under fire, during aggression and battle," Abu Obaida said Monday in his recording. "The hostage situation is a strategic file that has its own clear and known path, and its price will be paid by the occupation, there is no question about it." {{Cite news |last1=Hendrix |first1=Steve |last2=Loveluck |first2=Louisa |last3=Parker |first3=Claire |last4=Hudson |first4=John |last5=Dadouch |first5=Sarah |title=Israeli commanders vow to go on offensive as Biden pledges support |date=10 October 2023|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/10/10/israel-gaza-war-hamas/ |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

Haim Rubinstein, official spokesperson for an Israeli opposition leader (Ofer Shelah) and a member of the media team for an opposition party (Yesh Atid), served until April 2024 as the spokesman of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum representing the families of the hostages. Rubinstein contradicted the above official contemporaneous public statement of the Hamas military spokesperson by claiming six months later that his group "found out that Hamas had offered on October 9 or 10 to release all the civilian hostages in exchange for the IDF not entering the [Gaza] Strip, but the [Israeli] government rejected the offer."{{cite news |last1=Allon |first1=Gideon |title='No doubt' Netanyahu preventing hostage deal, charges ex-spokesman of Families Forum |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/no-doubt-netanyahu-preventing-hostage-deal-charges-ex-spokesman-of-families-forum/ |access-date=5 May 2024 |work=The Times of Israel |date=26 April 2024}} Rubinstein did not cite any source for his claim.</ref>

In a reconstruction of the negotiations, Franklin Foer has written that by 13 October 2023, the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in a discussion with Antony Blinken, said that Hamas had succeeded far beyond its expectations in taking far more hostages than it could manage, and was disposed to release some in exchange for a pause in Israeli airstrikes. Qatar had conveyed this readiness to Israel, without succeeding in getting the Israelis to focus on the proposal. Attempts by the Americans to follow up on this possibility only met with an Israeli unwillingness to explore the option.<ref name="Foer" >Franklin Foer, [https://archive.today/20241006074031/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2024/09/israel-gaza-war-biden-netanyahu-peace-negotiations/679581/ The War That Would Not End], The Atlantic 25 September 2024.</ref>

In November 2023, Hamas offered a deal dubbed as "everyone for everyone" or "all for all" — a release of all hostages being held in Gaza in exchange for Israel releasing thousands of Palestinians in Israeli prisons.<ref name="Jazeera-2023b">{{Cite web |title=Negotiations ongoing for release of 10–15 Hamas-held captives, reports say |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/8/news-reports-say-qatar-mediated-talks-aim-to-free-over-10-hamas-captives |access-date=10 November 2023 |website=Al Jazeera |archive-date=9 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109235629/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/8/news-reports-say-qatar-mediated-talks-aim-to-free-over-10-hamas-captives |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="allforall">{{Cite news |last1=Halabi |first1=Einav |last2=Eichner |first2=Itamar |last3=Turgeman |first3=Meir |date=28 October 2023 |title=Hamas chief: all Israeli hostages for all Palestinian prisoners |work=Ynetnews |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjv5rrqz6 |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-date=29 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029222410/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjv5rrqz6 |url-status=live}}</ref> Some Israeli families have spoken in support for such a deal.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Michaelis |first1=Tamar |last2=Ehlinger |first2=Maija |date=28 October 2023 |title=Families of hostages meet with Netanyahu to call for "comprehensive deal" to return all hostages |url=https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-10-28-23/h_6d88c3823505c3e206701635295da78b |access-date=10 November 2023 |website=CNN |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110073011/https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-10-28-23/h_6d88c3823505c3e206701635295da78b |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Son of missing Israeli-Canadian activist fears Gaza offensive puts her at risk |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10056794/israeli-canadian-missing-gaza/ |access-date=10 November 2023 |website=Global News |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110071512/https://globalnews.ca/news/10056794/israeli-canadian-missing-gaza/ |url-status=live}}

In May 2024, Haim Rubinstein, official spokesperson for an Israeli opposition leader (Ofer Shelah), a member of the media team for an opposition party (Yesh Atid), and a former spokesman for a group of hostages' families, accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of "preventing a deal" due to a "conflict of interest": when "the hostages are released, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir will leave the government because they'll think the price was too high ... Netanyahu knows that if he goes to elections at this time he won't be able to form a new government, and he is motivated by cold political considerations."{{cite news |last1=Allon |first1=Gideon |title='No doubt' Netanyahu preventing hostage deal, charges ex-spokesman of Families Forum |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/no-doubt-netanyahu-preventing-hostage-deal-charges-ex-spokesman-of-families-forum/ |access-date=5 May 2024 |work=The Times of Israel |date=26 April 2024}}</ref>

Shortly after the October attacks Thailand had been in official talks with Hamas with a group convened by the countries parliamentary speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha about the release of their citizens. The group conveyed to Hamas that the citizens were not party to the conflict, but instead part of the around 30,000 Thai laborers who work in the Israeli agriculture sectors. While some had been captured about 39 were killed in the attacks and about 8,600 repatriated back to Thailand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saksornchai |first=Jintamas |date=24 November 2023 |title=Hamas releases 10 Thai hostages, 4 of whom had not been listed as abducted |url=https://apnews.com/article/gaza-hostages-thai-workers-qatar-iran-1e712be6ab4446574128f36a5c6130e8 |access-date=27 November 2023 |website=AP News |archive-date=27 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127003957/https://apnews.com/article/gaza-hostages-thai-workers-qatar-iran-1e712be6ab4446574128f36a5c6130e8 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Setboonsarng2023">{{Cite news |last=Setboonsarng |first=Chayut |date=27 November 2023 |title=Thai Muslim group says direct Hamas talks helped secure release of Thai hostages |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/three-thai-hostages-released-gaza-good-health-thai-pm-2023-11-27/ |access-date=27 November 2023 |archive-date=27 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127032301/https://www.reuters.com/world/three-thai-hostages-released-gaza-good-health-thai-pm-2023-11-27/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 8 November, Hamas sources told news agencies that Hamas could release 10–15 hostages in exchange for a three-day humanitarian pause in fighting.<ref name="Jazeera-2023b" /> On 9 November, Benjamin Netanyahu had reportedly rejected such an exchange.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Michaelson |first1=Ruth |last2=Borger |first2=Julian |last3=Sinmaz |first3=Emine |date=9 November 2023 |title=Netanyahu rejected ceasefire-for-hostages deal in Gaza, sources say |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/09/netanyahu-rejected-ceasefire-for-hostages-deal-in-gaza-sources-say |access-date=10 November 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=29 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129025224/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/09/netanyahu-rejected-ceasefire-for-hostages-deal-in-gaza-sources-say |url-status=live}}</ref> On 13 November it was reported that Hamas had told Qatari mediators that the group was willing to release up to 70 women and children hostages held in Gaza for a five-day truce and the release of 275 women and children held by Israel.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Abdel-Razek|first1=Omar|last2=Abdel-Aziz|first2=Moaz|date=13 November 2023|title=Hamas armed wing says it discussed freeing 70 hostages in return for 5-day truce|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-armed-wing-discussed-releasing-70-hostages-return-5-day-truce-2023-11-13/|access-date=16 November 2023|archive-date=15 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115120858/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-armed-wing-discussed-releasing-70-hostages-return-5-day-truce-2023-11-13/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 9 November, Al-Quds Brigades released a video where spokesperson Abu Hamza states that they are prepared for the unconditional release of 77-year old Hanna Katzir, citing humanitarian reasons and their inability to provide her with her specific medical needs, as well as the release of 13-year old Yagil Yaakov. Israel refused the offer, claiming it would play into the captor's "psychological terror".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67373461.amp|first=Robert |last=Plummer|title= Israel sees 'sign of life' in Gaza hostage video|date= 22 November 2023|work= BBC|access-date= 24 November 2023|archive-date= 25 November 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231125055123/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67373461.amp|url-status= live}}</ref> On 21 November, it was erroneously reported that Katsir had died from medical complications, however she was still alive and was released on 24 November.<ref name="timesofisrael20231025">{{cite web |url= https://www.timesofisrael.com/taken-captive-mother-and-adult-son-hannah-and-elad-katzir/amp/ |title= Hanna Katzir, 77 freed; son Elad still captive in Gaza |work= The Times of Israel |access-date= 26 November 2023 |archive-date= 26 November 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231126173117/https://www.timesofisrael.com/taken-captive-mother-and-adult-son-hannah-and-elad-katzir/amp/ |url-status= live}}</ref> Yagil Yaakov, alongside his older brother, were released on 27 November.<ref name="timesofisrael20231127">{{Cite news |url= https://www.timesofisrael.com/nine-children-two-mothers-released-from-hamas-captivity-as-truce-holds-for-4th-day/amp/ |title= 9 children, including 3-year-old twins, and 2 mothers released from Hamas captivity |date=28 November 2023 |work= The Times of Israel |access-date= 28 November 2023 |archive-date= 28 November 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231128212917/https://www.timesofisrael.com/nine-children-two-mothers-released-from-hamas-captivity-as-truce-holds-for-4th-day/amp/ |url-status= live |issn=0040-7909}}</ref>

On 22 November it was announced that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement about a cease fire and the release of 50 hostages. While hostages held by Hamas would not be released until 23 November at the earliest, those released would be woman and children, in response the Israeli government would release 150 Palestinian prisoners, more aid would be allowed into Gaza and a four-day cease-fire which would be added onto for every 10 additional hostages released. Hamas has acknowledged that of the hostages released children would be the main component of the hostages released, and the IDF has planned that an IDF officer would be on hand to facilitate the crossing and handover with the hostages being transferred into Israel for medical care.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 November 2023 |title=TV report: Mothers and their children will be released together as hostage deal plays out |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/tv-report-mothers-and-their-children-will-be-released-together-as-hostage-deal-plays-out/ |access-date=22 November 2023 |website=The Times of Israel |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122193111/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/tv-report-mothers-and-their-children-will-be-released-together-as-hostage-deal-plays-out/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kingsley |first=Patrick |date=20 November 2023 |title=Israel and Hamas Agreed to a Cease-Fire and Hostage Release. Here's What We Know. |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/20/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-hostage-negotiations.html |access-date=22 November 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122004632/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/20/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-hostage-negotiations.html |url-status=live}}</ref> As of 26 November, Hamas had released a total of 58 hostages since the ceasefire went into effect, some of whom were foreign nationals and not included in the agreement to release 50 Israelis.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 November 2023 |title=American Child Among 17 Hostages Released By Hamas Today|first=Sara |last=Dorn |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2023/11/26/american-child-among-17-hostages-released-by-hamas-today-report-says/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126204402/https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2023/11/26/american-child-among-17-hostages-released-by-hamas-today-report-says/ |archive-date=26 November 2023}}</ref><ref name="BBCStories" />

In April 2024 it was reported that a senior Hamas official stated that the group did not have 40 living hostages in Gaza that met the criteria for an exchange under a proposed cease-fire that was being negotiated. Negotiators had proposed an initial six week cease-fire in which Hamas would have released held hostages in waves, with a primary group of 40 to consist of women, older people, ill hostages and five female IDF troops, with Israel releasing Palestinians held in Israeli prisons among other demands.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Tumin |first1=Remy |last2=Rasgon |first2=Adam |date=10 April 2024 |title=Hamas does not have 40 hostages who meet terms of potential swap with Israel, officials said |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/hamas-does-not-have-40-hostages-who-meet-terms-of-potential-swap-with-israel-officials-said/ |access-date=11 April 2024 |website=The Seattle Times |archive-date=11 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411012030/https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/hamas-does-not-have-40-hostages-who-meet-terms-of-potential-swap-with-israel-officials-said/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

During the January 2025 Gaza war ceasefire 33 Israeli and 5 Thai hostages were released by Hamas and about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners were released by Israel.<ref name=dw_release>{{cite news |title=Hamas releases new hostage video as Gaza truce set to expire |url=https://www.dw.com/en/hamas-releases-new-hostage-video-as-gaza-truce-set-to-expire/a-71791093 |access-date=24 September 2025 |publisher=DW |date=1 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Final swap of Gaza truce deal sees return of 4 dead hostages |url=https://www.dw.com/en/final-swap-of-gaza-truce-deal-sees-return-of-4-dead-hostages/a-71767402 |access-date=24 September 2025 |publisher=DW |date=27 February 2025}}</ref> Israel sought to extend the first phase of the ceasefire by 42 days.<ref name=dw_release/> On 19 February 2025 Hamas said that it was ready to release all the remaining hostages in one batch rather than in stages during the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hamas says it is ready to free all hostages at once in phase two of Gaza truce |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20250219-hamas-says-ready-free-all-hostages-at-once-phase-two-gaza-truce-israel |access-date=24 September 2025 |issue=19 February 2025 |publisher=France 24}}</ref>

On 3 September 2025, Hamas announced that it is prepared to release all hostages held in Gaza in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners, with the proposed deal to include a complete ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the enclave.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hamas offers full release of hostages for ceasefire |url=https://report.az/en/other-countries/hamas-ready-to-release-all-hostages-in-comprehensive-deal |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Report News Agency |date=4 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gritten |first1=David |title=Gaza: Israel rejects 'spin' after Hamas says ready for comprehensive deal |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz087gpd52ko |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=BBC News |date=4 September 2025}}</ref>

On 29 September 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in a press conference at the White House that they had reached an agreement on Gaza war peace plan, which would be implemented moving forward. The plan includes the cessation of hostilities, the return of all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, within 72 hours, and the establishment of a governance alternative to Hamas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 September 2025 |title=Benjamin Netanyahu approves of Trump's Gaza hostage, ceasefire plan |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-869014 |access-date=29 September 2025 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en}}</ref> The remaining twenty living hostages were released on the morning of 13 October.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 October 2025 |title=All 20 living hostages now released as Trump set to address Israeli parliament - follow live |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cx2r2z0gyp7t |access-date=13 October 2025 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Rescue and body recovery operations === {{Further|Rescue of Ori Megidish|Operation Golden Hand|2024 Nuseirat rescue operation}}

[[File:Villarruel secuestrados israelies (cropped).jpg|thumb|Former hostages Clara Marman (left) and Louis Har (right) alongside Argentine vice president Victoria Villarruel (centre) in September 2024.]] A captured IDF private was freed on 30 October 2023 in an operation headed by Israel Defense Forces (IDF), with assistance from Shin Bet and Mossad.<ref>{{cite news |date=30 October 2023 |title=Abducted soldier freed by IDF troops in Gaza|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bj0119lpz6|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101001712/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bj0119lpz6 |archive-date=1 November 2023 |access-date=30 October 2023 |work=ynet |last1=Tzuri |first1=Matan}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Israeli military says it freed captured soldier in Gaza ground operations|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/30/israeli-military-says-it-freed-captured-soldier-in-gaza-ground-operations|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102022858/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/30/israeli-military-says-it-freed-captured-soldier-in-gaza-ground-operations |archive-date=2 November 2023 |access-date=2 November 2023 |website=Al Jazeera}}</ref> On 8 December, Hamas claimed they repelled an attempted hostage rescue by Israeli special forces, inflicting several military casualties.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 December 2023 |title=Hamas says it repelled Israeli rescue attempt in Gaza, hostage killed |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-says-captive-israeli-soldier-killed-clash-with-special-forces-2023-12-08/ |access-date=9 December 2023 |archive-date=9 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209102604/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-says-captive-israeli-soldier-killed-clash-with-special-forces-2023-12-08/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Hamas also said that a hostage named Sahar Baruch died in the incident.<ref name="CNN 2023">{{Cite web |date=9 December 2023 |title=Israeli hostage killed in Gaza, circumstances of death unclear |url=https://edition.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-12-09-23#h_642ccd4269622b242493232de31a354d |access-date=9 December 2023 |website=CNN |archive-date=9 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209205752/https://edition.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-12-09-23/h_642ccd4269622b242493232de31a354d |url-status=live}}</ref> On the same day of 8 December, according to an IDF statement, two Israeli soldiers were wounded in a failed hostage rescue attempt.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Israel-Hamas War Day 64: IDF Battle With Hamas in Northern Gaza; Air Force Strikes Hezbollah in Lebanon |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-12-09/ty-article-live/two-soldiers-wounded-in-gaza-hostage-rescue-op-u-s-vetoes-cease-fire-resolution/0000018c-4ca5-df2f-adac-fead2f3a0000?liveBlogItemId=2000598608 |access-date=9 December 2023 |archive-date=9 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209041543/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-12-09/ty-article-live/two-soldiers-wounded-in-gaza-hostage-rescue-op-u-s-vetoes-cease-fire-resolution/0000018c-4ca5-df2f-adac-fead2f3a0000?liveBlogItemId=2000598608 |url-status=live}}</ref> It is unclear whether the statements of Hamas and the IDF refer to the same event.<ref name="CNN 2023" />

During the early morning of 12 February 2024, the IDF, Shin Bet and special police forces coupled with related airstrikes, rescued two hostages with dual Israel-Argentinian nationality, 60 year-old Fernando Simon Marman and 70 year-old Louis Har, who were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak during the October 7 attacks by Hamas, from a building in Rafah in southern Gaza. One Israeli soldier was injured and 37 Hamas militants, including the hostages' guards, were reported killed during the rescue operation.<ref name="israelhayom 2024">{{cite web | title=Daring raid led to major success in war as 2 hostages rescued alive | website=israelhayom.com | date=12 February 2024 | url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/02/12/daring-raid-led-to-major-success-in-war-as-2-hostages-rescued-alive/ | access-date=12 February 2024 | archive-date=13 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213023803/https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/02/12/daring-raid-led-to-major-success-in-war-as-2-hostages-rescued-alive/ | url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Nidal Al-Mughrabi 2024">{{cite web | author1=Nidal Al-Mughrabi | author2=Emily Rose | title=Israel frees two hostages in Rafah under cover of air strike; health officials say 37 killed | website=Reuters | date=12 February 2024 | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-strikes-rafah-refugee-camp-22-killed-local-health-officials-say-2024-02-12/ | access-date=12 February 2024 | archive-date=27 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227152318/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-strikes-rafah-refugee-camp-22-killed-local-health-officials-say-2024-02-12/ | url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2024, it was reported that—based on IDF interrogations of detained reported members of Hamas in Gaza—an overnight operation led to the recovery of the bodies of four people killed on 7 October, near the site of the Re'im music festival massacre.<ref name="bbc20240517" /><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Berman |first1=Lazar |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/under-a-rug-in-gazan-home-idf-troops-found-shaft-leading-to-bodies-of-4-hostages/|title=Under a rug in Gazan home, IDF troops found shaft leading to bodies of 4 hostages |website=The Times of Israel |date=23 May 2024}}</ref> On 31 May 2024, the IDF withdrew from Jabalia after a weeks-long operation, during which troops recovered the bodies of seven Israeli hostages.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mackenzie |first=James |date=31 May 2024 |title=Israel completes combat operations in part of north Gaza, military says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-military-says-combat-part-north-gaza-is-over-2024-05-31 |access-date=31 May 2024 |work=Reuters}}</ref>

On 8 June 2024 four hostages who had been abducted during the Re'im music festival massacre were rescued from two separate areas in the Nuseirat refugee camp by members of Yamam (Israel's national counter-terrorism unit), Shin Bet and the IDF. Airstrike cover for the operation and resulting firefights reportedly caused the deaths of over 200 Palestinians per the Gaza Health Ministry, while Israel claims only 100 Palestinians were killed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Niamh |date=8 June 2024 |title=Israel rescues four hostages in operation Gazan officials say killed more than 200 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/08/middleeast/four-israeli-hostages-freed-gaza-intl/index.html |access-date=9 June 2024 |website=CNN}}</ref>

On 19 January 2025 it was publicized that Israeli troops recovered Oron Shaul's body which had been held by Hamas since 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 January 2025 |title=Israel says it recovered the body of a soldier killed in 2014 hours before Gaza ceasefire |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2025/jan/19/israel-says-it-recovered-the-body-of-a-soldier-kil/ |access-date=26 January 2025 |website=Las Vegas Sun}}</ref> The recovery operation was carried out jointly by the IDF and the Shin Bet security agency, with several special forces units including the Navy's Shayetet 13 commando unit and another elite force in the Military Intelligence Directorate. The IDF did not reveal exactly when the operation took place, nor where in the Gaza Strip they found the body. Shaul's body was brought back to Israel and taken to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute where it was identified.<ref>{{cite news |title=Body of soldier Oron Shaul, killed and captured by Hamas in 2014, recovered from Gaza |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/body-of-soldier-oron-shaul-killed-and-captured-by-hamas-in-2014-recovered-from-gaza/ |access-date=14 May 2025 |work=The Times of Israel |date=19 January 2025}}</ref>

=== Release of hostages === [[File:Release of hostages during Iron Swords war, November 2023. IV.jpg|thumb|Hila Rotem, aged 13, embraced by her uncle, Yair Rotem, upon their reunion on 26 November 2023, following her release. Her mother, Raaya Rotem, would be released on 29 November 2023.]] {{main|2023 Gaza war ceasefire|January 2025 Gaza war ceasefire}}

On 20 October 2023, Hamas released two American hostages for humanitarian reasons and in response to Qatari and US pressure.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |last2=Cox |first2=Eric |title=Hamas releases two US hostages 'for humanitarian reasons' in response to Qatari efforts -spokesperson |date=20 October 2023|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-releases-two-us-hostages-for-humanitarian-reasons-response-qatari-efforts-2023-10-20/|access-date=20 October 2023 |work=Reuters |archive-date=20 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020171252/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-releases-two-us-hostages-for-humanitarian-reasons-response-qatari-efforts-2023-10-20/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ABC-Hutchinson">{{cite news |last1=Hutchinson |first1=Bill |last2=Gretsky |first2=Will|last3=Chile |first3=Patricio |last4=Pereira |first4=Ivan |title=2 American hostages held since Hamas attack on Israel released: IDF|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/2-american-hostages-held-hamas-attack-israel-released/story?id=104069707 |date=20 October 2023 |work=ABC News |access-date=20 October 2023 |archive-date=20 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020185443/https://abcnews.go.com/International/2-american-hostages-held-hamas-attack-israel-released/story?id=104069707 |url-status=live}}</ref> The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it helped facilitate the release of the hostages by transporting them from Gaza to Israel.<ref name="ABC-Hutchinson" /> On 23 October, Hamas released two Israeli women hostages, aged 79 and 85, for humanitarian reasons after mediation by Qatar and Egypt. The ICRC helped transport them out of Gaza. The released hostages were from the Nir Oz kibbutz.<ref name="Guardian-Burke" /><ref name="CBS-Chasan">{{cite news |last=Chasan |first=Aliza |title=Hamas releases 2 Israeli hostages from Gaza as war continues|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-hamas-war-more-hostages-released/ |date=23 October 2023 |work=CBS News|access-date=23 October 2023 |archive-date=23 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023191910/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-hamas-war-more-hostages-released/ |url-status=live}}</ref> One of the released hostages, Yocheved Lifshitz, and her husband Oded, a journalist still in captivity, were known peace activists that helped Palestinians in Gaza get to hospitals in Israel.<ref name="CBS-Chasan" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Spiro |first=Amy |title=Two Israeli hostages, Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, released from Gaza|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/two-israeli-hostages-nurit-cooper-79-and-yocheved-lifshitz-85-released-from-gaza/|date=23 October 2023 |access-date=25 October 2023 |work=The Times of Israel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025194238/https://www.timesofisrael.com/two-israeli-hostages-nurit-cooper-79-and-yocheved-lifshitz-85-released-from-gaza/ |archive-date=25 October 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> Lifshitz's daughter Sharone said that Lifshitz and other hostages were held in a "huge network" of tunnels. Lifshitz was critical of both the Shin Bet and the IDF, and the press conference was criticized as a PR disaster for Israel.<ref name="Chen-2023">{{cite news |last1=Chen |first1=Heather |last2=Tal |first2=Amir |last3=Jeong |first3=Sophie |last4=Said-Moorhouse |first4=Lauren |date=24 October 2023 |title='I went through hell': Released Hamas hostage describes being kidnapped and taken into tunnel system |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/24/middleeast/israel-hostages-freed-lifshitz-cooper-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025193756/https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/24/middleeast/israel-hostages-freed-lifshitz-cooper-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=25 October 2023 |access-date=25 October 2023 |work=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/lifshitz-press-conference-panned-as-disastrous-for-israel-pr-win-for-hamas/|title=Lifshitz press conference panned as disastrous for Israel, PR win for Hamas|work=The Times of Israel|date=24 October 2023|access-date=25 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025200204/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/lifshitz-press-conference-panned-as-disastrous-for-israel-pr-win-for-hamas/|archive-date=25 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> thumb|Release of hostages during the Gaza war

On 27 October, a Hamas official said that Hamas could not release the hostages taken during the attack on Israel until a ceasefire was agreed on.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hamas cannot free captives until Israel-Gaza ceasefire: Official|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/27/hamas-cannot-free-captives-until-israel-gaza-truce-official|work=Al Jazeera|date=27 October 2023|access-date=1 November 2023|archive-date=1 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101075529/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/27/hamas-cannot-free-captives-until-israel-gaza-truce-official|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Hamas claims it needs time to find hostages hidden in Strip|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-claims-it-needs-time-to-find-hostages-hidden-in-strip/|work=The Times of Israel|date=27 October 2023|access-date=1 November 2023|archive-date=1 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101125611/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-claims-it-needs-time-to-find-hostages-hidden-in-strip/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 November, Israel and Hamas agreed to the release 150 of Palestinian prisoners and a four-day cease-fire in exchange for Hamas's release of approximately 50 of the hostages.<ref name="APFirstSwap">{{Cite news|last1=Jobain|first1=Najib|last2=Federman|first2=Josef|last3=Jeffery|first3=Jack|date=24 November 2023 |title=Hamas and Israel carry out first swap of hostages and prisoners as Gaza cease-fire begins |work=Associated Press|url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-24-2023-172256dd593189f7b37f7c62f4739c6b |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124230130/https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-24-2023-172256dd593189f7b37f7c62f4739c6b |archive-date=24 November 2023}}</ref> On 24 November, the release of 50 women and children hostages by Hamas over a four-day period began after negotiations with Israel, with hostages being released into the care of the Red Cross through the Rafah Border Crossing and then to the Israeli Hatzerim Military Base. Some of this group were dual and foreign nationals, with individuals from Israel, Thailand, and the Philippines counted in the first group released.<ref name="APFirstSwap" /><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Tanyos |first1=Faris |last2=Reals |first2=Tucker |date=24 November 2023 |title=24 hostages released as temporary cease-fire in Israel-Hamas war takes effect |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/temporary-cease-fire-begins-israel-hamas-war/ |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=CBS News |archive-date=26 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126065457/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/temporary-cease-fire-begins-israel-hamas-war/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:Release of Yarden Bibas, Ofer Kalderon and Keith Siegel, February 1, 2025, February 2025. V.jpg|thumb|Yarden Bibas, whose wife and children were later returned dead, meets his father and sister for the first time after his release from Hamas captivity on 1 February 2025]] A total of 41 hostages were released by Hamas during the four-day ceasefire.<ref name="CNNWhoAre" /> Of those released, 26 were Israeli (some being dual citizens) with a breakdown of 13 released on 24 November and 13 on 25 November.<ref name="BBCStories">{{cite news |date=25 November 2023 |title=Hamas hostages: Stories of the hostages taken by Hamas from Israel |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67053011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125203131/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67053011 |archive-date=25 November 2023}}</ref> In addition, 14 Thai hostages and one Filipino were released as part of a separate deal.<ref name="BBCStories" /> An additional 17 hostages (including 14 Israelis and one American) were released on 26 November, in exchange for 39 Palestinian prisoners.<ref name="ap26nov">{{cite web |last1=Shurafa |first1=Wafaa |last2=Magdy |first2=Samy |date=26 November 2023 |title=Hamas releases third group of hostages as part of truce and says it will seek to extend the deal |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-26-2023-556b251fadc25a234a499e957edd218d |access-date=26 November 2023 |work=Associated Press |archive-date=26 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126073421/https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-26-2023-556b251fadc25a234a499e957edd218d |url-status=live}}</ref>

Israel published a list of 300 Palestinian prisoners that it would potentially release in exchange for Israeli hostages in Gaza, 287 of which were children below the age of 18.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Noy |first1=Orly |title=What Israelis won't be asking about the Palestinians released for hostages |url=https://www.972mag.com/palestinian-prisoners-israeli-hostages-exchange/ |access-date=27 November 2023 |work=+972 Magazine |date=23 November 2023 |archive-date=27 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127162327/https://www.972mag.com/palestinian-prisoners-israeli-hostages-exchange/ |url-status=live}}</ref> An analysis by NBC News of the list showed about 20% were convicted of a crime, while the roughly 80% of the list were not convicted of any crimes and had either not been prosecuted or had been detained under administrative detention.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Noriega |first=David |date=30 November 2023 |title=Israeli prisoner release shines light on system of detaining Palestinians without charge |work=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-palestinian-hamas-prisoner-release-gaza-west-bank-rcna127353 |url-status=live |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130182610/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-palestinian-hamas-prisoner-release-gaza-west-bank-rcna127353 |archive-date=30 November 2023}}</ref> However, some of the Palestinians prisoners that were freed as part of the deal had been convicted of offenses ranging from attempted murder, to less severe ones such as inflicting property damage, hindering police work or assembling unlawfully. Other offenses included assault of police officers, rock-throwing, hurling firebombs, arson, and possession of firearms or explosives. Some hostages reportedly belonged to Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).<ref>{{cite news |title=Who Are the Palestinian Prisoners to Be Released in the Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal? |url=https://www.haaretz.com/haaretz-explains/2023-11-22/ty-article/who-are-the-palestinians-prisoners-to-be-released-in-israel-hamas-hostage-deal/0000018b-f625-d558-a3eb-f72f2ab40000 |access-date=26 November 2023 |publisher=Haaretz |date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=23 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123045921/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-11-22/ty-article/who-are-the-palestinians-prisoners-to-be-released-in-israel-hamas-hostage-deal/0000018b-f625-d558-a3eb-f72f2ab40000 |url-status=live}}</ref>

A Russian-Israeli man was released on 26 November outside of the cease fire agreement. Mousa Abu Marzook, an official within Hamas, indicated that the release was in appreciation for President Vladimir Putin's position. Putin has been openly critical of the Israeli operation in regards to Gaza and the mounting casualties.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Talmazan|first=Yuliya|date=29 November 2023|title=Israel-Hamas war live updates: Israel assessing Hamas claim that 10-month-old hostage was killed in Gaza|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-rcna127130|access-date=29 November 2023|website=NBC News|archive-date=29 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129101309/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-rcna127130|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Reported deaths === {{See also|Kidnapping and killing of Hersh Goldberg-Polin|Killing of Alon Shamriz, Yotam Haim, and Samer Talalka|Friendly fire during the Gaza war}} [[File:Hostage being dragged through foyer of Al Shifa Hospital by Hamas gunmen.png|thumb|Bipin Joshi being dragged through Al Shifa Hospital by Hamas militants on 7 October 2023]] The IDF confirmed on 13 October that remains of missing Israeli people were located and retrieved in the Gaza Strip.<ref>{{cite news |date=13 October 2023 |title=Troops on 'localized' raids into Gaza said to recover bodies, items of missing people |work=The Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/troops-on-localized-raids-into-gaza-said-to-recover-bodies-items-of-missing-people/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014015742/https://www.timesofisrael.com/troops-on-localized-raids-into-gaza-said-to-recover-bodies-items-of-missing-people/ |archive-date=14 October 2023}}</ref> On 14 October, Hamas stated that nine hostages had been killed over a 24-hour period due to Israeli airstrikes.<ref name="independent20231014">{{cite news |last=Butler |first=Alexander |date=14 October 2023 |title=Hamas claims nine hostages killed 'due to Israeli airstrikes' in last 24 hours |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/hamas-gaza-israel-hostages-war-b2429792.html |url-status=live |access-date=15 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015070618/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/hamas-gaza-israel-hostages-war-b2429792.html |archive-date=15 October 2023}}</ref> On 4 November, Hamas reported that 60 hostages had died as a result of Israel's bombing of Gaza.<ref name="Reuters04112023">{{Cite news |date=4 November 2023 |title=Hamas armed wing: More than 60 hostages are missing due to Israeli airstrikes |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-armed-wing-more-than-60-hostages-are-missing-due-israeli-airstrikes-2023-11-04/ |access-date=6 November 2023 |archive-date=9 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109204130/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-armed-wing-more-than-60-hostages-are-missing-due-israeli-airstrikes-2023-11-04/ |url-status=live}}</ref> An Israeli official responded that "Regardless of what Hamas claims, any harm done to hostages is Hamas's responsibility and they will be held accountable."<ref>{{cite news |date=26 October 2023 |first=Shannon |last=Vavra|title=Hamas Claims 50 Hostages Killed by Israeli Strikes in Gaza |work=The Daily Beast |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/hamas-claims-50-hostages-killed-by-israeli-airstrikes-in-gaza |access-date=28 October 2023 |archive-date=28 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028195331/https://www.thedailybeast.com/hamas-claims-50-hostages-killed-by-israeli-airstrikes-in-gaza |url-status=live}}</ref> According to the IDF, half of the hostages were killed during the abduction or died in captivity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 October 2023 |title=כבר 4 לוחמים נהרגו בגבול לבנון; תושבי שדרות "יצאו לריענון" בבתי הארחה {{!}} כלכליסט |url=https://www.calcalist.co.il/local_news/article/bjtdfybwt |access-date=6 November 2023 |website=calcalist |language=he |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026154058/https://www.calcalist.co.il/local_news/article/bjtdfybwt |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=חדשות |date=12 October 2023 |title=הערכה: 162 נחטפו לעזה, מחציתם לא בין החיים |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/h11gmfsza |access-date=6 November 2023 |archive-date=17 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117190821/https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/h11gmfsza |url-status=live}}</ref> At least two bodies had been recovered, as of 16 November.<ref name="Boxerman16112023">{{Cite news |last=Boxerman |first=Aaron |date=16 November 2023 |title=2 Israeli Hostages' Bodies Were Recovered Near Al-Shifa Hospital, Army Says |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/16/world/middleeast/yehudit-weiss-hamas-hostage-israel.html |access-date=18 November 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=23 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123013548/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/16/world/middleeast/yehudit-weiss-hamas-hostage-israel.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Along with reported CCTV footage released on 19 November, Israel announced that an IDF soldier who had been captured on 7 October had been killed by Hamas while being held at the Al-Shifa hospital. Hamas denied this and indicated the soldier had been previously reported by them as being killed by an Israeli airstrike on 9 November.<ref name="Beake-2023" />

On 29 November, Hamas claimed that the youngest hostage; a 10-month old toddler and his 4-year-old brother and mother were killed while in captivity due to Israeli bombings. The claim is being investigated by the IDF and other agencies, and Israeli officials have stated the account shows the "barbarism and cruelty of Hamas".<ref name="Talmazan 2023">{{Cite web |last=Talmazan |first=Yuliya |date=29 November 2023 |title=Fears grow for youngest Gaza hostage after Hamas claims 3 family members killed in Israeli bombing |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/kfir-bibas-hostage-killed-hamas-gaza-israeli-bombing-rcna127187 |access-date=29 November 2023 |website=NBC News |archive-date=29 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129173339/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/kfir-bibas-hostage-killed-hamas-gaza-israeli-bombing-rcna127187 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Hamas released a video of the dead body of Arye Zalmanovich, 86, from kibbutz Nir Oz. He had been wounded during the 7 October attack and assaulted by bystanders in Gaza as he was driven on a motorcycle by his captors.<ref>{{cite news |title=חבול ופצוע: נחשף סרטון החטיפה של אריה זלמנוביץ' |url=https://www.mako.co.il/news-military/2024_q3/Article-38b960a26116191027.htm?sCh=31750a2610f26110&pId=173113802&main_article=3 |access-date=18 August 2024 |publisher=Mako |date=17 August 2024 |language=he}}</ref> According to Hamas he died of a heart attack.<ref name="newsweek20231118">{{cite news |title=Who Is Arye Zalmanovich? Hamas Video Confirms Israeli Hostage's Death |url=https://www.newsweek.com/who-arye-zalmanovich-hamas-video-confirms-israeli-hostages-death-1844943 |access-date=2 December 2023 |publisher=Newsweek |date=18 November 2023 |archive-date=1 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201043705/https://www.newsweek.com/who-arye-zalmanovich-hamas-video-confirms-israeli-hostages-death-1844943 |url-status=live}}</ref> Zalmanovich had medical conditions and required medical treatment.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hamas Publishes Video of 86-year-old Israeli Hostage, Raising Concerns About His Life |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-11-17/ty-article/hamas-publishes-video-of-86-year-old-israeli-hostage-raising-concerns-about-his-life/0000018b-de30-dffa-adef-fe30c8880000 |access-date=2 December 2023 |publisher=Haaretz |date=17 November 2023 |archive-date=17 November 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231117195737/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-11-17/ty-article/hamas-publishes-video-of-86-year-old-israeli-hostage-raising-concerns-about-his-life/0000018b-de30-dffa-adef-fe30c8880000 |url-status=live}}</ref> His son attributed the death to the lack of medicines and suitable food in captivity.<ref>{{cite news |title=בנו של אריה זלמנוביץ': "אבא לא קיבל בשבי תרופות ומזון שהוא צריך. זה רצח" |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/r1jqsddbp |access-date=2 December 2023 |publisher=Ynet |language=he |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202141159/https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/r1jqsddbp |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 15 December, the IDF stated that during operations in Shuja'iyya, they "mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat" and killed them via friendly fire.<ref name="Tabachnick 2023">{{cite news |last1=Tabachnick |first1=Cara |title=3 hostages in Gaza were killed by friendly fire, Israeli military says |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/3-hostages-in-gaza-killed-by-friendly-fire-israeli-military-says/ |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=CBS News |date=15 December 2023 |archive-date=18 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218200851/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/3-hostages-in-gaza-killed-by-friendly-fire-israeli-military-says/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The three hostages were three men in their 20s, identified as Alon Shamriz, Yotam Haim, and Samer Talalka after having their bodies returned to Israel.<ref name="Tabachnick 2023" /><ref name="NBC News 2023">{{cite news |title=Israel-Hamas war live updates: IDF says it mistakenly killed 3 Israeli hostages during fighting |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-rcna129901 |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=NBC News |date=15 December 2023 |archive-date=18 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218200759/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-rcna129901 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Fabian |first1=Emanuel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-troops-mistakenly-open-fire-and-kill-3-hostages-in-northern-gaza-battlefield/|title=IDF troops mistakenly open fire and kill 3 hostages in northern Gaza battlefield|work=The Times of Israel |date=15 December 2023 |publisher=Times of Israel|access-date=16 December 2023|archive-date=18 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218154352/https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-troops-mistakenly-open-fire-and-kill-3-hostages-in-northern-gaza-battlefield/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to an Israeli military official on 16 December, the three hostages were shirtless and "they have a stick with a white cloth on it. The [Israeli] soldier feels threatened and opens fire. He declares that they're terrorists"; more Israeli forces shoot, killing two hostages "immediately" and wounding the third hostage, who appealed for help in Hebrew, then "there's another burst of fire [by Israeli forces] towards the third [hostage] and he also dies".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lubell |first1=Maayan |title=Israeli hostages killed in Gaza were holding white flag, official says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-hostages-killed-mistakenly-gaza-were-holding-white-flag-official-says-2023-12-16/ |access-date=16 December 2023 |work=Reuters |date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217220936/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-hostages-killed-mistakenly-gaza-were-holding-white-flag-official-says-2023-12-16/ |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Haaretz'' reported that the third hostage retreated into a building after the other two hostages were shot, with IDF soldiers following the third hostage and shooting him dead because they thought he was a terrorist setting a trap.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kubovich |first1=Yaniv |title=Preliminary IDF Report: Hostages Killed by Soldiers Waved White Flag, One Yelled for Help in Hebrew |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-12-16/ty-article/.premium/preliminary-idf-report-hostages-killed-by-soldiers-waved-white-flag-yelled-help-hebrew/0000018c-7283-db38-a9fc-fba363100000 |access-date=17 December 2023 |work=Haaretz |date=16 December 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231216224726/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-12-16/ty-article/.premium/preliminary-idf-report-hostages-killed-by-soldiers-waved-white-flag-yelled-help-hebrew/0000018c-7283-db38-a9fc-fba363100000 |archive-date=16 December 2023}}</ref> ''Yediot Ahronot'' reported that Israeli soldiers had called for the third hostage to come out of the building he was hiding in, and then shot him when he reappeared.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jobain |first1=Najib |last2=Frankel |first2=Julia |last3=Magdy |first3=Samy |title=Netanyahu says Israel is as 'committed as ever' to war after soldiers mistakenly killed 3 hostages |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-16-2023-7df1ec6f336d1cd357903d6b848a1a1a |access-date=17 December 2023 |work=Associated Press |date=17 December 2023 |archive-date=18 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218161027/https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-16-2023-7df1ec6f336d1cd357903d6b848a1a1a |url-status=live}}</ref> The Israeli military investigated the killings and concluded on 28 December that the Israeli "soldiers carried out the right action to the best of their understanding of the event at that moment".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rose |first1=Emily |title=Israeli troops killed hostages, mistaking their cries for help as ambush -military |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-troops-killed-hostages-mistaking-their-cries-help-ambush-military-2023-12-28/ |access-date=1 January 2024 |work=Reuters |date=29 December 2023}}</ref>

In February 2024, it was announced that through a confidential assessment conducted by Israeli intelligence officials, there were more dead hostages than previously known. In the report 32 of the hostages held in Gaza were declared as deceased, with an additional 20 hostages status still undetermined.<ref name="Berman 2024">{{Cite web |last1=Berman |first1=Lazar |last2=Fabian |first2=Emanuel |date=6 February 2024 |title=At least 32 of the 136 hostages held in Gaza killed, 20 others feared dead – NYT |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/at-least-32-of-the-136-hostages-held-in-gaza-killed-20-others-feared-dead-nyt/ |access-date=6 February 2024 |website=The Times of Israel |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206215603/https://www.timesofisrael.com/at-least-32-of-the-136-hostages-held-in-gaza-killed-20-others-feared-dead-nyt/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 24 April 2024, Hamas had released a two-minute video of Hersh Goldberg-Polin in which he stated the need for the Israeli government to bring him home as well as that 70 of the 130 hostages have been killed in Israeli bombings. He also stated in the video that he was living in an "underground hell without water, food, sun or medical treatment".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vasilyeva |first=Nataliya |date=24 April 2024 |title=Seventy Israeli hostages have been killed, says captive |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/04/24/hamas-has-killed-70-israeli-hostages-says-captive-gaza-war/ |access-date=25 April 2024 |work=The Telegraph |issn=0307-1235}}</ref>

[[File:Murder of the six Israeli hostages, August 2024. XXXIII.jpg|thumb|243x243px|Tunnel in which six hostages were held and recovered deceased by IDF troops in August 2024. Photo taken by the IDF Spokesperson's Unit]] On 31 August 2024, Hersh Goldberg-Polin's body was among six recovered from a Hamas tunnel in Rafah, Gaza. According to the Israeli health ministry, all six were executed by their Hamas captors from "close range" 1–2 days earlier. The IDF said that the captors were not present when its soldiers recovered the bodies.<ref>{{cite news|title=Murdered hostages shot 'from close range'|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/09/01/israel-hamas-war-latest-news58/|first1=Kieran|last1=Kelly|first2=Jotam|last2= Confino|first3=Susie |last3=Coen|date=1 September 2024|publisher=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=|title=In a 65-foot-deep tunnel in Rafah, hostages found executed by captors|date=1 September 2024|publisher=Ynet|first=Yoav| last=Zitun}}</ref> Hamas denied executing Goldberg-Polin, as well as the five other hostages, stating they died in an Israeli airstrike.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hamas: Six captives found dead in Gaza killed in Israeli airstrikes|url=https://qudsnen.co/?p=47266|date=1 September 2024|publisher=Quds News Network}}</ref> On 2 September, Hamas announced that since June, they had implemented new instructions for managing hostages in the event of approaching Israeli forces in Gaza. Abu Obaida, the spokesperson for Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades, did not disclose specific details but criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's insistence on using military pressure to free hostages instead of negotiating a deal.<ref name="jpost20240902"/><ref name="hamas-armed-wing-says-new-instructions-were-given-guards-israeli-hostages-gaza"/>

On 15 September 2024, the IDF stated that a thorough investigation had determined, with high confidence, that the bodies of three Israeli hostages—Corporal Nik Beizer and Sergeant Ron Sherman, both 19 years old, and Elia Toledano, a 28-year-old French-Israeli civilian—found on 14 December in a tunnel in Jabalia, were killed by an Israeli airstrike.<ref name="byproduct">{{cite web |last1=Fabian |first1=Emanuel |title=Months after bodies recovered, IDF says 3 hostages were killed as 'byproduct' of strike |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/months-after-bodies-recovered-idf-says-3-hostages-killed-as-byproduct-of-strike/ |website=timesofisrael |date=15 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Israeli army says 'high probability' its strike killed three Gaza captives |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/15/israeli-army-says-high-probability-its-strike-killed-three-gaza-captives |website=aljazeera |date=15 September 2024}}</ref>

Former hostage Noa Argamani reported that hostage Yossi Sharabi was killed after the house they were in was blown up.<ref name="middleeasteye-argamani">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0Nr-MsXT03g |title=Freed Israeli captive Noa Argamani: 'The house we were held in was bombed' |date=27 February 2025 |publisher=Middle East Eye |access-date=27 April 2025 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref>

===Gaza peace plan releases and returns=== On 13 October 2025, with the implementation of the Gaza peace plan, Hamas released the last 20 living hostages as well as four out of the 28 deceased hostages held in Gaza, in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Lidman |first1=Melanie |last2=Magdy |first2=Samy |last3=Shurafa |first3=Wafaa |date=13 October 2025 |title=After hostages and prisoners are freed, complex issues remain for Israel-Hamas ceasefire |url=https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-hostages-ceasefire-10-13-2025-9e4921406e846189c90144609c1a9530 |access-date=26 January 2026 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gordon |first=Lihia |date=13 October 2025 |title=Hostage families' headquarters: We were informed that only 4 bodies will be returned today. We are shocked, this is a blatant violation |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/k2rgbjzm0 |access-date=13 October 2025 |work=Ynetglobal |language=en}}</ref> The caskets holding the bodies were handed over to the IDF by the Red Cross during a ceremony in Gaza and were returned to Israel after crossing the Gaza-Israel border.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=13 October 2025 |title=IDF crosses back into Israel with bodies of 4 deceased hostages, heads to forensic institute for ID |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-crosses-back-into-israel-with-bodies-of-4-deceased-hostages-heads-to-forensic-institute-for-id/ |accessdate=13 October 2025 |work=The Times of Israel}}</ref> From then, Hamas returned the bodies of 27 hostages over a period of seven weeks, the last being the remains of Thai hostage Sudthisak Rinthalak's, which were returned on 3 December.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 December 2025 |title=Body of Sudthisak Rinthalak, Thai farmer and family breadwinner, returned to Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/body-of-sudthisak-rinthalak-thai-farmer-and-family-breadwinner-returned-to-israel/amp/ |access-date=26 January 2026 |website=The Times of Israel}}</ref>

After Rinthalak was returned, slain police officer Ran Gvili became the final hostage held in Gaza.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 January 2026 |title=Remains of last Israeli hostage found in Gaza, paving way for next phase of ceasefire |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/last-hostage-body-returned-gaza-israel-ran-gvili-ceasefire-rafah-trump-rcna241533 |access-date=26 January 2026 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) said that they were unable to locate his body despite searching extensively in eastern Gaza, although Israeli sources claimed that the groups knew where his body was.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Halabi |first=Einav |date=13 December 2025 |title=Hamas, Islamic Jihad claim they cannot locate missing Israeli officer |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkuqgkjm11l |access-date=26 January 2026 |work=Ynetglobal |language=en}}</ref> On 28 December, it was reported that a PIJ member who was involved in Gvili's capture was abducted by Israel in an attempt to locate his body.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 December 2025 |title=Report: Israel captures Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist linked to Ran Gvili |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-881615 |access-date=26 January 2026 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en}}</ref> Israel later conditioned the reopening of the Rafah Border Crossing on Gvili's return.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 January 2026 |title=Israel ties Rafah crossing reopening to return of Ran Gvili |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-882473 |access-date=26 January 2026 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en}}</ref> On 25 January 2026, Israel announced the start of a large-scale operation aimed at locating Gvili's body.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 January 2026 |title=Israel launches 'large scale operation' to locate last hostage in Gaza |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/world/gaza/israel-launches-large-scale-operation-locate-last-hostage-gaza-rcna255848 |access-date=26 January 2026 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> The following day, Israel announced that his body was recovered from a cemetery near Gaza City on the Israeli-controlled side of the Yellow Line. The IDF had exhumed hundreds of bodies at the cemetery while searching for Gvili, and tested around 250 before Gvili was identified. His recovery made it the first time since 2014 that no Israeli hostages were held in Gaza.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Fabian |first1=Emanuel |last2=Steinberg |first2=Jessica |last3=Berman |first3=Lazar |others=ToI Staff |date=26 January 2026 |title=All of them home now: Body of last hostage Ran Gvili found in Gaza, returned to Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/all-of-them-home-now-body-of-last-hostage-ran-gvili-found-in-gaza-returned-to-israel/ |access-date=26 January 2026 |work=The Times of Israel |language=en-US |issn=0040-7909}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 January 2026 |title=Israel says it has retrieved remains of final Gaza hostage Ran Gvili |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ydvz7nz4mo |access-date=26 January 2026 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Treatment of hostages== Many hostages require medical treatment due to their medical conditions (such as Parkinson's, cardiovascular diseases, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and cancer), according to a report sent to the ICRC on 15 October by Hagai Levine, a public health physician and epidemiologist who heads the medical and resilience team of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.<ref>{{cite news |date=16 October 2023 |title=נפגעות אונס, קטועי איברים וחולים קשים: הזמן של החטופים הולך ואוזל |url=https://news.walla.co.il/item/3616584 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029212245/https://news.walla.co.il/item/3616584 |archive-date=29 October 2023 |access-date=29 October 2023 |publisher=Walla |language=he}}</ref> As of 5 December 2023, Hamas refused to grant the ICRC access to the hostages.<ref name="Zitun-2023" /><ref name="Rose04122023">{{Cite news |last=Rose |first=Emily |date=4 December 2023 |title=Released Israeli hostages ask Red Cross to visit remaining captives |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/released-israeli-hostages-ask-red-cross-visit-remaining-captives-2023-12-04/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205101058/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/released-israeli-hostages-ask-red-cross-visit-remaining-captives-2023-12-04/ |archive-date=5 December 2023 |access-date=5 December 2023 |work=Reuters}}</ref><ref name="Haaretz" />

On 13 October, Hamas released a video purporting to demonstrate its compassion towards abducted children. The video shows armed Hamas militants patting children on the back, rocking children in a stroller, and giving a child water.<ref>{{cite news |last=Halpern |first=Sam |date=13 October 2023 |title=Hamas posts footage of terrorists holding kidnapped Israeli children |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-768203 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013185242/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-768203 |archive-date=13 October 2023 |access-date=13 October 2023 |work=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref> On 16 October, Hamas released a video of a 21-year-old French Israeli woman pleading to be returned to her family, while someone bandages her injured arm and a scar is visible.<ref name="Kottasová2023">{{cite news |last=Kottasová |first=Ivana |date=17 October 2023 |title=Hamas releases first video of a hostage taken to Gaza |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/17/middleeast/hamas-hostage-mia-shem-israel-gaza-intl/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022215041/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/17/middleeast/hamas-hostage-mia-shem-israel-gaza-intl/index.html |archive-date=22 October 2023 |access-date=23 October 2023 |work=CNN}}</ref> A released hostage, who was a nurse, was moved throughout her captivity to treat other hostages and could ask for specific medicines, although she has alleged the medicines were often provided in insufficient amounts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 January 2024 |title=Ex-hostage watched Hamas captors tell Yarden Bibas of family's 'fate' while filming |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ex-hostage-watched-hamas-captors-tell-yarden-bibas-of-familys-fate-while-filming/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107102325/https://www.timesofisrael.com/ex-hostage-watched-hamas-captors-tell-yarden-bibas-of-familys-fate-while-filming/ |archive-date=7 January 2024 |access-date=8 January 2024 |website=The Times of Israel}}</ref>thumb|A still from a 2025 video released by Hamas showing Evyatar David in Hamas tunnels in which he is seen digging his own graveIsrael's Health Ministry found that the released hostages lost an average of 17–33 pounds (≈8–15 kilograms) in seven weeks, and they said their diet in captivity was minimal.<ref>{{cite web |author=Troy O. Fritzhand |date=28 November 2023 |title=Hostages Released by Hamas Suffered Severe Weight Loss in Captivity, Preliminary Health Reports Show |url=https://www.algemeiner.com/2023/11/28/hostages-released-hamas-suffered-severe-weight-loss-captivity-preliminary-health-reports-show/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129195638/https://www.algemeiner.com/2023/11/28/hostages-released-hamas-suffered-severe-weight-loss-captivity-preliminary-health-reports-show/ |archive-date=29 November 2023 |access-date=30 November 2023 |newspaper=Algemeiner}}</ref> In February 2025 it was reported that Israeli officials had intelligence that Yahya Sinwar, then leader of Hamas, instructed the starvation of all male hostages.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Solomon |first=Eden |date=9 February 2025 |title=Or Levy's Brother: Hamas Starved the Hostages, Remaining Men Won't Survive Captivity |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-02-09/ty-article/.premium/or-levys-brother-hamas-starved-the-hostages-remaining-men-wont-survive-captivity/00000194-ebd0-dc45-a79c-efffa7150000 |access-date=9 February 2025 |work=Haaretz}}</ref> Gilat Livni, a pediatrician and consultant in infectious diseases who worked with some of the returned children at Schneider's children's hospital, stated that they were in "generally good condition" but raised caution about the trauma that was faced. A physician advising the families of held hostages also echoed this statement, warning of the trauma faced and the long process of restoring a sense of trust and control after being released.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Boxerman |first=Aaron |date=25 November 2023 |title=The Israeli hostages freed on Friday begin to reunite with their families. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/25/world/middleeast/israel-hostages-families.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127013217/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/25/world/middleeast/israel-hostages-families.html |archive-date=27 November 2023 |access-date=27 November 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

Renana Eitan, the head of psychiatry at the Ichilov Tel Aviv medical center, said that among the freed hostages she examined were children drugged by their captors, including with ketamine, and were suffering from withdrawal.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Borger |first=Julian |date=28 December 2023 |title=Many hostages released by Hamas still being treated for trauma |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/28/many-hostages-released-by-hamas-still-being-treated-for-trauma |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105052318/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/28/many-hostages-released-by-hamas-still-being-treated-for-trauma |archive-date=5 January 2024 |access-date=5 January 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Israel's Health Ministry's confirmed that before they were released, liberated hostages were given psychoactive drugs by their captors. Blood tests showed the drug was clonazepam, commonly used to treat epilepsy, anxiety, OCD and other cases on a short-term basis.<ref>{{Cite news |last=קריסי |first=רון |date=29 December 2023 |title="הם עברו התעללות רגשית ומינית, הוצפו במידע כוזב" – ההתמודדות של חטופים ששוחררו |trans-title="They were abused emotionally and sexually and flooded with false information" – the struggle of released hostages |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/health/article/ryjfqfsd6 |access-date=15 January 2025 |work=Ynet |language=he}}</ref> Hamas reportedly aimed to make the hostages appear calm and happy after enduring prolonged physical abuse, deprivation, and psychological terror in captivity.<ref>{{Cite news |title='They Were Drugged': Relatives of Freed Israeli Hostages Channel Hamas Captivity Horror |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-12-01/ty-article/.premium/they-were-drugged-relatives-of-freed-israeli-hostages-channel-hamas-captivity-horror/0000018c-24c7-dc03-a9ec-3cff21210000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202153120/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-12-01/ty-article/.premium/they-were-drugged-relatives-of-freed-israeli-hostages-channel-hamas-captivity-horror/0000018c-24c7-dc03-a9ec-3cff21210000 |archive-date=2 December 2023 |access-date=5 January 2024 |work=Haaretz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gherd-Zand |first=Renee |date=5 December 2023 |title=Health Ministry says Hamas drugged released hostages to make them appear happy |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/health-ministry-says-hamas-drugged-released-hostages-to-make-them-appear-happy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105142052/https://www.timesofisrael.com/health-ministry-says-hamas-drugged-released-hostages-to-make-them-appear-happy/ |archive-date=5 January 2024 |access-date=5 January 2024 |work=The Times of Israel |issn=0040-7909}}</ref>

Dror Mendel, director of the Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, described orthopedic injuries, scarring and burns, and "very low hygiene standards... lice, rashes, skin irritation [and] inflammation". Ronit Lubetzky, director of the pediatrics department, stated that some of the children have lost as much as {{nowrap|{{convert|10|kg}}}} of body weight.<ref name="Mako-2023">{{Cite web |last=פעילן |first=מיכל |date=5 December 2023 |title=הילדה שהשאירו יחפה, שטיפת המוח והמאמץ להבין אם יום או לילה: עדויות החוזרים מהשבי |url=https://www.mako.co.il/news-military/6361323ddea5a810/Article-b82f26285473c81027.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205092953/https://www.mako.co.il/news-military/6361323ddea5a810/Article-b82f26285473c81027.htm |archive-date=5 December 2023 |access-date=5 December 2023 |website=N12}}</ref> Itay Pesach, director of the Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, said that patients describe "the entire range of abuse you could dream of... not different from the testimonies of people who came back from the WW2 Jewish ghettos or concentration camp".<ref name="Mako-2023" /> Levine spoke on the lack of medical care given to the hostages, physical and psychological abuse, and starvation: "at first there was an implicit assumption that the conditions of captivity by Hamas are reasonable. This assumption no longer exists... The situations is terrible... There's no time. The clock of some [of the hostages] is already ticking."<ref>{{Cite news |last=מענית |first=חן |date=5 December 2023 |title="אם בקבינט המלחמה חושבים שלחטופים יש זמן, הם טועים. השעון שלהם מתקתק" |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/2023-12-05/ty-article/.premium/0000018c-3922-d11b-a3bf-ffabc3230000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205193638/https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/2023-12-05/ty-article/.premium/0000018c-3922-d11b-a3bf-ffabc3230000 |archive-date=5 December 2023 |access-date=5 December 2023 |work=הארץ |language=he}}</ref> A doctor who treated some of the 110 hostages released from captivity told the Associated Press that at least ten male and female hostages of them were sexually assaulted or abused. He declined to give his name or speak on any further details, claiming to protect the hostages identities.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 December 2023 |title=At least 10 freed hostages were sexually abused in Hamas captivity, doctor says |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/at-least-10-freed-hostages-were-sexually-abused-by-hamas-in-captivity-doctor-says/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110151157/https://www.timesofisrael.com/at-least-10-freed-hostages-were-sexually-abused-by-hamas-in-captivity-doctor-says/ |archive-date=10 January 2024 |access-date=8 December 2023 |work=The Times of Israel |issn=0040-7909}}</ref>

A former IDF mental health officer said returning hostages who have experienced continual psychological trauma will be very cautious about saying anything that endangers other captives. She also stated returning hostages can have "black holes in their memory" and can also express sympathy for their captors due to "Stockholm syndrome".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Benson |first=Pesach |date=25 October 2023 |title=Expert calls for patience regarding hostage interviews |url=https://www.jns.org/beware-of-media-interviews-with-returning-gaza-hostages/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025061439/https://www.jns.org/beware-of-media-interviews-with-returning-gaza-hostages/ |archive-date=25 October 2023 |access-date=25 October 2023 |work=Jewish News Syndicate}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable; issues with WP:UNDUE (WP:NOTRS).|date=November 2023}} Many hostages told relatives that they were totally isolated from the outside world and had no information about their family members, who in many cases<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ziv |first1=Noa |last2=Mozer-Glassberg |first2=Yael |last3=Bron-Harlev |first3=Efrat |last4=Goldberg |first4=Lotem |last5=Niv |first5=Omer |last6=Saar |first6=Shirley |last7=Yaron |first7=Shlomit |last8=Singer-Harel |first8=Dana |last9=Eliakim-Raz |first9=Noa |last10=Fennig |first10=Silvana |last11=Livni |first11=Gilat |last12=Yarden-Bilavsky |first12=Havatzelet |date=7 August 2024 |title=Medical perspectives on Israeli children after their release from captivity – A retrospective study |journal=Acta Paediatrica |volume=113 |issue=10 |pages=2259–2265 |doi=10.1111/apa.17355 |pmid=39108205 |issn=0803-5253|doi-access=free}}</ref> were also kidnapped or killed in the attack.<ref name="Kershner-2023"/> Yaniv Yaacov, the uncle of hostages, said in an event in North Macedonia with the Israeli foreign minister that his two nephews were branded using the exhaust pipe of a motorcycle by Hamas. He alleged it was done so that if they escaped they could be detected through the burn. He also said his nephews were drugged.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 November 2023 |title=Uncle of freed hostages says Hamas branded them using motorcycle exhaust pipe |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/uncle-of-freed-hostages-says-hamas-branded-them-using-motorcycle-exhaust-pipe/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203174141/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/uncle-of-freed-hostages-says-hamas-branded-them-using-motorcycle-exhaust-pipe/ |archive-date=3 December 2023 |access-date=5 December 2023 |work=Times of Israel}}</ref>

In August 2025, a video was released by Hamas showing a skeletal hostage Evyatar David in a tunnel. In the video, Hamas attributed his emaciated condition to the 2023 Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, saying that the hostages were being starved as a consequence of Israel's campaign.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Halabi |first1=Einav |last2=Gordon |first2=Lihi |title=Family releases second Hamas propaganda clip of hostage Evyatar David, forced to dig own grave |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/k026q2pa9 |work=YNet |date=2 August 2025 |language=en}}</ref> A report by Ynetnews disputes this, arguing that David has been intentionally starved by Hamas, citing the healthier condition of his captor's arm as evidence.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gordon |first1=Lihi |title=Revealing detail in hostage video exposes Hamas starvation hoax |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1hspj2peg |work=Ynetglobal |date=2 August 2025 |language=en}}</ref> The brother of Or Levy, a hostage of 491 days, said that hostages were starved while their captors ate copiously, laughing at onlooking captors.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Diamond |first1=Jeremy |last2=Edwards |first2=Christian |title=Brother of freed Israeli hostage says Hamas captors ate full meals and laughed as he was starved |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/26/europe/or-levy-israel-hostage-hamas-gaza-starve-intl |work=CNN |date=26 February 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Hostage accounts ===

Hostages released by Hamas later relayed their experiences in captivity, either firsthand, via family members, or through a report from the United Nations:<ref>{{Cite news |last=Borger |first=Julian |date=4 March 2024 |title=UN finds 'convincing information' that Hamas raped and tortured Israeli hostages |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/04/un-envoy-reports-on-accounts-of-hamas-raping-and-torturing-israeli-hostages |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305035248/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/04/un-envoy-reports-on-accounts-of-hamas-raping-and-torturing-israeli-hostages |archive-date=5 March 2024 |access-date=5 March 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref name="UNSRSGSVC2024">{{Cite web |title=Official visit of the Office of the SRSG-SVC to Israel and the occupied West Bank 29 January – 14 February 2024 |url=https://www.un.org/sexualviolenceinconflict/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/report/mission-report-official-visit-of-the-office-of-the-srsg-svc-to-israel-and-the-occupied-west-bank-29-january-14-february-2024/20240304-Israel-oWB-CRSV-report.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304224551/https://www.un.org/sexualviolenceinconflict/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/report/mission-report-official-visit-of-the-office-of-the-srsg-svc-to-israel-and-the-occupied-west-bank-29-january-14-february-2024/20240304-Israel-oWB-CRSV-report.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2024 |access-date=5 March 2024}}</ref>

==== Adults ==== * 65-year-old Israeli-American Keith Siegel described captivity as being "unbearable." The hostages were given little food and water. Siegel described being forced to help his captors extract information from a bound female hostage in a "'medieval-style' trial by torture." He was kept in tunnels and dark rooms, and was at many times threatened with death at gunpoint, physically assaulted, and spat on.<ref name="SiegelNYT">{{cite news |last1=Gavrielov |first1=Nadav |title=Keith Siegel, a Former Hostage, Recounts Captivity in Gaza |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/world/middleeast/keith-siegel-israel-hostage-hamas-gaza-interview.html |access-date=16 April 2025 |work=The New York Times |date=16 April 2025}}</ref> * Mexican-Israeli Ilana Gritzewsky, 31, recalls being groped by gunmen during her kidnapping on a motorcycle. Her leg was pressed against the exhaust pipe. She passed out and awoke with seven gunmen above her, with her breasts exposed and pants down. A captor told her his intentions of marrying her and keeping her in Gaza.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Odenheimer |first1=Natan |last2=Kershner |first2=Isabel |title=She Was Released. Now She's Campaigning for Her Partner Still in Gaza. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/25/world/middleeast/israeli-hostage-gaza-campaign.html |work=The New York Times |date=25 March 2025}}</ref> * 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz recounted being beaten on the motorcycle ride back to Gaza.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Israeli captive endured 'hell' in attack, but treated 'well' in Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/24/israeli-captive-endured-hell-in-attack-but-treated-well-in-gaza |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024181619/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/24/israeli-captive-endured-hell-in-attack-but-treated-well-in-gaza |archive-date=24 October 2023 |access-date=3 November 2023 |website=Al Jazeera}}</ref><ref name="Chen-2023" /> She was taken through a network of tunnels, and kept in groups of five people divided by kibbutz, with each group assigned a guard. Their captors told them that they believed in the Qur'an and would not hurt them. Lifshitz received medical care, one meal a day of the same food her captors ate, and was kept in clean surroundings.<ref>{{cite news |last=Teibel |first=Amy |date=24 October 2023 |title=Now freed, an Israeli hostage describes the 'hell' of harrowing Hamas attack and terrifying capture |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-hostage-hamas-militants-10b5491c6f63b4bf697c95f3ca052d61 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026053048/https://apnews.com/article/israel-hostage-hamas-militants-10b5491c6f63b4bf697c95f3ca052d61 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |access-date=26 October 2023 |work=AP |publisher=}}</ref> "They made sure we had all needed, they cleaned the toilets – they did, not us" Lifshitz recounted. "They were very friendly to us".<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Nota |first1=Bruno |last2=El-Bawab |first2=Nadine |date=25 October 2023 |title=Israeli hostage released says she was kept in tunnels under Gaza |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/israeli-hostage-released-tunnels-gaza/story?id=104250746 |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=ABC News}}</ref> She summarized her two weeks in Hamas captivity saying she "went through hell".<ref name="Chen-2023" /><ref>{{Cite news |title='I Asked Him How He Isn't Ashamed': 85-year-old Israeli Hostage Says She Confronted Hamas Chief Sinwar in Gaza Tunnel |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-11-29/ty-article/85-year-old-freed-israeli-hostage-confronted-hamas-chief-sinwar-in-gaza-tunnel/0000018c-1ad5-d4e4-a1df-3edd611c0000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129195019/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-11-29/ty-article/85-year-old-freed-israeli-hostage-confronted-hamas-chief-sinwar-in-gaza-tunnel/0000018c-1ad5-d4e4-a1df-3edd611c0000 |archive-date=29 November 2023 |access-date=6 January 2024 |work=Haaretz}}</ref> * Roongarun Wichanguen, the sister of 33-year-old Vetoon Phoome, said that Phoome was not tortured nor assaulted, was well-fed and well taken care of.<ref>{{cite news |date=25 November 2023 |title=Thai relatives overjoyed for Gaza hostage returns |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231125-thai-relatives-overjoyed-for-gaza-hostage-returns |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129025551/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231125-thai-relatives-overjoyed-for-gaza-hostage-returns |archive-date=29 November 2023 |access-date=27 November 2023 |work=France 24}}</ref> * According to Merav Mor Raviv, cousin of 54-year-old Keren Munder, she and her 9-year-old son Ohad and 78-year-old mother Ruth ate mostly rice and bread, but neither regularly nor all the time, resulting in both Keren and Ruth losing 6–8 kg in body weight. They were kept isolated from the outside world, slept on improvised benches, and sometimes had to wait up to two hours to go to the bathroom.<ref name="Kershner-2023">{{Cite news |last=Kershner |first=Isabel |date=26 November 2023 |title=Freed Israeli Hostages Share Details of Captivity, Relatives Say |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/26/world/middleeast/freed-israeli-hostages-captivity.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127081027/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/26/world/middleeast/freed-israeli-hostages-captivity.html |archive-date=27 November 2023 |access-date=27 November 2023 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> Ruth recalled having proper meals early in their captivity, and going hungry as the war progressed.<ref name="Clarke-2023">{{Cite web |last=Clarke |first=Rachel |date=1 December 2023 |title=Little food, a beating and lice: What freed Israeli hostages are saying about being held by Hamas |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/01/middleeast/israeli-hostages-released-accounts-hamas-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201230524/https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/01/middleeast/israeli-hostages-released-accounts-hamas-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=1 December 2023 |access-date=2 December 2023 |website=CNN}}</ref> * After being released, 84-year-old Elma Avraham was admitted to the Soroka Medical Center in critical condition. Prior to her kidnapping by Hamas, she was diagnosed with several medical conditions and was taking medication, which her relatives say the ICRC refused to accept.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neev |first=Keshet |date=27 November 2023 |title=Family of released hostage decry Red Cross for failure of duty |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-775395 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128033517/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-775395 |archive-date=28 November 2023 |access-date=28 November 2023 |website=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Emily Rose |date=27 November 2023 |title=Israeli hostage, 84, released by Hamas in 'fight for her life' |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-hostage-84-released-by-hamas-fight-her-life-2023-11-27/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127235320/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-hostage-84-released-by-hamas-fight-her-life-2023-11-27/ |archive-date=27 November 2023 |access-date=27 November 2023 |work=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Curiel |first1=Ilana |last2=Yanko |first2=Adir |date=27 November 2023 |title=84-year-old Elma still in critical condition, daughter furious at Red Cross: 'Refused to hand over meds' |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/hkgy1mzr6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128232043/https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/hkgy1mzr6 |archive-date=28 November 2023 |access-date=27 November 2023 |newspaper=Ynetnews}}</ref> According to one of her doctors, she had signs of being handcuffed, and suffered from untreated "chemical wounds".<ref name="Clarke-2023" /> * Eyal Nouri, the nephew of 72-year-old Adina Moshe, said that his aunt was in a room five storeys underground, that was only lit for two hours each day.<ref name="Clarke-2023" /> She was fed canned beans and rice, and had not taken a shower for seven weeks.<ref name="Picheta-2023">{{Cite web |last1=Picheta |first1=Rob |last2=Ataman |first2=Joseph |date=27 November 2023 |title=First testimonies shed light on conditions endured by Hamas' Israeli hostages |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/27/middleeast/israel-hamas-hostages-testimony-conditions-intl/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128003708/https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/27/middleeast/israel-hamas-hostages-testimony-conditions-intl/index.html |archive-date=28 November 2023 |access-date=27 November 2023 |website=CNN}}</ref><ref name="Clarke-2023" /> * A Thai citizen who was released by Hamas testified that there was little to eat for the hostages — a pita a day, sometimes a tin of tuna to share between four people, and sometimes a piece of cheese. Held for more than seven weeks, he says they were allowed to shower once. He also stated that the Jewish/Israeli hostages were treated much more harshly: "We were with Israelis, and they were guarded all the time," and "The Jews who were held with me were treated very harshly, sometimes they were beaten with electric cables."<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 November 2023 |title=Released Thai hostage says Israelis held with him were beaten with electric cables |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/released-thai-hostage-says-israelis-held-with-him-were-beaten-with-electric-cables/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130021430/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/released-thai-hostage-says-israelis-held-with-him-were-beaten-with-electric-cables/ |archive-date=30 November 2023 |access-date=30 November 2023 |work=The Times of Israel |issn=0040-7909}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=שלמור |first=גלעד |date=29 November 2023 |title=אזרח תאילנד ששוחרר משבי חמאס העיד: "הרביצו לחטופים ישראלים בכבלי חשמל" |url=https://www.mako.co.il/news-military/6361323ddea5a810/Article-0eab1db1d7c1c81027.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201022017/https://www.mako.co.il/news-military/6361323ddea5a810/Article-0eab1db1d7c1c81027.htm |archive-date=1 December 2023 |access-date=1 December 2023 |work=N12}}</ref> * Philippine citizen Jimmy Pacheco testified that, for some time, he and the other hostages only got briny water and half a pita a day. To survive, he collected pieces of toilet paper and moistened them with humidity that accumulated on the tunnel's walls.<ref>{{Cite news |last=רביד |first=אור |date=30 November 2023 |title="הרטבתי חתיכות נייר טואלט כדי לאכול": האזרח הפיליפיני ששוחרר משבי חמאס מספר על מה שעבר |url=https://www.mako.co.il/news-world/2023_q4/Article-b58893342b02c81027.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130174003/https://www.mako.co.il/news-world/2023_q4/Article-b58893342b02c81027.htm |archive-date=30 November 2023 |access-date=1 December 2023 |work=N12}}</ref> * Ella Ben Ami, daughter of 54-year-old Raz Ben Ami, says her mother was humiliated by her captors, and now cherishes "every little thing", like having a towel, a piece of chocolate, or a drink.<ref name="Mako-2023" /> * The health of 77-year-old Hanna Katzir deteriorated several days after her release. According to her daughter, Carmit Palty Katzir, "she had no heart problems when she was kidnapped, but now she has severe heart problems due to harsh conditions and starvation".<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 December 2023 |title=Hanna Katzir in serious condition after health deteriorated while hostage in Gaza |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hanna-katzir-in-serious-condition-after-health-deteriorated-while-hostage-in-gaza/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207203323/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hanna-katzir-in-serious-condition-after-health-deteriorated-while-hostage-in-gaza/ |archive-date=7 December 2023 |access-date=6 December 2023 |work=The Times of Israel |issn=0040-7909}}</ref> Katzir died on 24 December 2024, after being released on 24 November 2023, and is the first released hostage to reportedly die from after effects of being held hostage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Former Hamas hostage Hanna Katzir, whose health declined in captivity, dies at 78 |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/former-hamas-hostage-hanna-katzir-whose-health-declined-in-captivity-dies-at-78/amp/ |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=The Times of Israel}}</ref> * 77-year-old Margalit Moses had essential medical equipment confiscated by her kidnappers.<ref name="Testimonies 2023">{{Cite news |last1=חאג׳ יחיא |first1=דיאא |last2=פרידסון |first2=יעל |date=9 December 2023 |title=עדויות חטופים ששוחררו: "כל יום שם הוא גיהנום, זה הזכיר את השואה" |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/2023-12-09/ty-article/.premium/0000018c-4f87-d6bd-a1ad-7fd736f20000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210004851/https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/2023-12-09/ty-article/.premium/0000018c-4f87-d6bd-a1ad-7fd736f20000 |archive-date=10 December 2023 |access-date=10 December 2023 |work=הארץ |language=he}}</ref> * 21-year-old Maya Regev and her 18-year-old brother Itay Regev testified to the hunger, harsh environmental conditions, extreme fear and sense of uncertainty that they experienced.<ref name="Testimonies 2023" /> * 21-year-old Mia Schem was filmed before her release in early December, appearing in a Hamas propaganda video in which she said she had been treated well and kindly.<ref>{{cite web |last=Simons |first=Jake Wallis |author-link=Jake Wallis Simons |date=30 December 2023 |title=Hamas is succeeding at playing the West for fools |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/12/30/hamas-is-succeeding-at-playing-the-west-for-fools/ |access-date=18 December 2025 |website=The Telegraph |type=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title='Went through a Holocaust': Freed Israeli hostage Mia Schem describes Hamas horror | website=Firstpost | date=29 December 2023 | url=https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/went-through-a-holocaust-freed-israeli-hostage-mia-schem-describes-hamas-horror-13556162.html | access-date=31 December 2025}}</ref> She later recalled having experienced a Holocaust-like hell during captivity in Gaza, stating "Everyone there is a terrorist." Schem said she realized she was being held in a family home during her time in captivity and that the whole family was involved with Hamas, including the women and children.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 December 2023 |title='I went through a Holocaust': Freed hostage speaks on Hamas captivity |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-779888 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229024913/https://www.jpost.com//israel-hamas-war/article-779888 |archive-date=29 December 2023 |access-date=29 December 2023 |website=The Jerusalem Post |issn=0792-822X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=28 December 2023 |title=Released hostage Mia Schem: Everyone in Gaza is a terrorist, I experienced hell |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/released-hostage-mia-schem-everyone-in-gaza-is-a-terrorist-i-experienced-hell/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229024913/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/released-hostage-mia-schem-everyone-in-gaza-is-a-terrorist-i-experienced-hell/ |archive-date=29 December 2023 |access-date=29 December 2023 |website=The Times of Israel |issn=0040-7909}}</ref> She also said that she was forced to record a video and instructed to say that she was treated well.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Spiro |first1=Amy |last2=Horovitz |first2=Michael |date=29 December 2023 |title=Freed hostage Mia Schem: 'I experienced hell. There are no innocent civilians in Gaza' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/freed-hostage-mia-schem-i-experienced-hell-everyone-in-gaza-is-a-terrorist/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110133608/https://www.timesofisrael.com/freed-hostage-mia-schem-i-experienced-hell-everyone-in-gaza-is-a-terrorist/ |archive-date=10 January 2024 |access-date=30 December 2023 |work=Times of Israel |publisher=}}</ref> * 49-year-old Chen Almog-Goldstein stated, "Hamas guards put mattresses over us on the floor to cover us, and then they covered us with their bodies to protect us from our own forces' shooting."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sinmaz |first1=Emine |date=3 March 2024 |title='We were constantly in terror': Israeli hostage tells of captivity in Gaza |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/03/we-were-constantly-in-terror-israeli-hostage-tells-of-captivity-in-gaza?utm_term=65e55554db24c7d5639c8158b5c1aaf7&utm_campaign=GuardianTodayUK&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=GTUK_email |access-date=18 March 2024 |website=The Guardian |archive-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318041315/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/03/we-were-constantly-in-terror-israeli-hostage-tells-of-captivity-in-gaza?utm_term=65e55554db24c7d5639c8158b5c1aaf7&utm_campaign=GuardianTodayUK&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=GTUK_email |url-status=live}}</ref> * 40-year-old Amit Soussana said that she was sexually assaulted by her captor during her captivity in Gaza.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Kingsley |first1=Patrick |author-link=Patrick Kingsley (journalist) |last2=Bergman |first2=Ronen |author-link2=Ronen Bergman |last3=Boxerman |first3=Aaron |last4=Kershner |first4=Isabel |author-link4=Isabel Kershner |date=26 March 2024 |title=Israeli Hostage Says She Was Sexually Assaulted and Tortured in Gaza |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/26/world/middleeast/hamas-hostage-sexual-assault.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326210910/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/26/world/middleeast/hamas-hostage-sexual-assault.html |archive-date=26 March 2024 |access-date=27 March 2024 |work=New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Released hostage Amit Soussana reveals she was sexually assaulted by Hamas captor |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/released-hostage-amit-soussana-reveals-she-was-sexually-assaulted-by-hamas-captor/ |website=The Times of Israel |date=26 March 2024 |access-date=26 March 2024 |archive-date=26 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326201611/https://www.timesofisrael.com/released-hostage-amit-soussana-reveals-she-was-sexually-assaulted-by-hamas-captor/ |url-status=live}}</ref> * 28-year-old Emily Damari's mother posted on social media that her daughter was denied medical treatment after being shot twice and then held in a United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) facility. UNRWA later stated it was a very serious claim and would be seriously investigated, indicating a majority of their buildings had been turned into shelters and the war had caused a supply chain disruption for the Gaza Strip.<ref>{{cite news |date=1 February 2025 |title=Emily Damari's mom: My daughter was held in UNRWA facilities, denied medical treatment |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/emily-damaris-mom-my-daughter-was-held-in-unrwa-facilities-denied-medical-treatment/ |access-date=5 February 2025 |website=The Times of Israel |issn=0040-7909}}</ref> * 20-year-old former IDF soldier, Agam Berger, said that Hamas allowed her to continue practising her Jewish faith and Hamas provided her with various items, including a Jewish prayer book (siddur in Hebrew).<ref>{{cite news|first=Shilo|last=Freid|title= Freed hostage Agam Berger talks about her religious observance – and the moment she was separated from her friends in captivity|url= https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjz36tmcje# |work=Ynet|date=20 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Freed Israeli soldier: Hamas respected our Jewish traditions, holidays|url= https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/freed-israeli-soldier-hamas-respected-our-jewish-traditions-holidays-18266962|work=TRT World|date=20 February 2025}}</ref> * Eli Sharabi, who was exchanged in 2025, said that two more hostages, Alon Ohel and Eliya Cohen, were held in a tunnel, handcuffed and starved while their captors ate full meals in front of them. Sharabi supported them and communicated with their captors in Arabic.<ref>{{cite news |title=עדויות החוזרים מהשבי – וסימני החיים שהתקבלו על חטופים שעדיין בעזה |url=https://www.mako.co.il/news-israel/2025_q1/Article-7f4afdf49101591026.htm?pId=173113802&main_article=2 |access-date=21 February 2025 |publisher=Mako |date=16 February 2025 |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=9 February 2025 |title=Choking, Hanging, Starvation: Hostages Reportedly Faced Severe Torture in Hamas Captivity |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-02-09/ty-article/.premium/choking-hanging-starvation-hostages-reportedly-faced-severe-torture-in-hamas-captivity/00000194-ec66-d0d3-a1d6-edfee3db0000 |access-date=21 February 2025 |work=Haaretz}}</ref> Sharabi emerged emaciated after 491 days and learned that his wife and two teenage daughters had been killed in the 7 October attack.<ref name="x489">{{cite web |last=Lederer |first=Edith M. |date=20 March 2025 |title=Israeli hostage freed after 491 days asks: Where was the United Nations, the Red Cross, the world? |url=https://apnews.com/article/un-gaza-israel-hostage-sharabi-hamas-palestinians-473348174a8f533c540d080fed46a61e |access-date=6 July 2025 |website=AP News}}</ref> * Omer Shem Tov was held alone in a tunnel for 450 days.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Steinberg |first=Jessica |date=23 February 2025 |title=Mother of freed hostage Omer Shem Tov says he was alone in a tunnel for 450 days of captivity |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/mother-of-freed-hostage-omer-shem-tov-says-he-was-alone-in-a-tunnel-for-450-days-of-captivity/ |work=Times of Israel}}</ref> * On 22 February 2025, two Israeli hostages, Eviatar David and Guy Gilboa-Dalal, were taken to watch the release of three other hostages, Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen and Omer Wenkert, after 505 days. David and Gilboa-Dalal were not freed, but remained imprisoned.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Emanuel Fabian |date=22 February 2025 |title=Families of hostages Eviatar David, Guy Gilboa-Dalal okay publication of Hamas propaganda clip from today |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/families-of-hostages-eviatar-david-guy-gilboa-dalal-okay-publication-of-hamas-propaganda-clip-from-today/ |access-date=22 February 2025 |work=The Times of Israel}}</ref> * Guy Gilboa-Dalal said that he was repeatedly sexually assaulted by his captor during his captivity in Gaza and threatened with death if he spoke out.<ref>Kershner, Isabel (3 February 2026). [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/world/middleeast/hamas-hostage-abuse.html A Hamas Hostage’s Secret Ordeal] ''The New York Times''. Retrieved on 5 February 2026.</ref><ref>(3 February 2026). [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2026-02-03/ty-article/.premium/report-ex-hostage-guy-gilboa-dalal-reveals-new-details-of-sexual-abuse-in-hamas-captivity/0000019c-2413-d773-addd-b5bf9e010000 Report: Ex-hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal Reveals New Details of Sexual Abuse in Hamas Captivity] ''Haaretz''. Retrieved on 5 February 2026.</ref> * Edan Alexander was held in underground tunnels, Hamas safe houses, mosques, schools, and tents of displaced Palestinians. He was once transferred by a militant that was disguised as a woman, going through a busy Gaza market. He was kept with Matan Zangauker for some time. He was forced to drink only sea-water, given only dirty bread, and lost about 20 kg in weight. he described captivity as "year of hell."<ref>{{cite web|title= Terrorists dressed as women transferred Edan Alexander across Gaza, released hostage recounts|url= https://m.jpost.com/israel-news/article-854283|website=The Jerusalem Post|date=16 May 2025|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250527011808/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-854283 |archive-date=27 May 2025|access-date=27 May 2025}}</ref> * Dani Elgarat said that his brother Itzik who was held with Edan Alexander and whose body was returned in March 2025 died due to a heart attack as he was subjected to torture during interrogations.<ref>{{cite web |last=ליאל |first=דפנה |date=30 June 2025 |title=דני אלגרט חשף כיצד אחיו נרצח בשבי: "לקחו אותו לחקירה בעינויים – והוא לא חזר" |website=N12 |location=Israel |access-date=30 June 2025 |url=https://x.com/N12News/status/1939608929723683050}}</ref> * Ohad Ben Ami testified before the Knesset that food was scarce and they were constantly worried about being killed by captors or by IDF strikes. He said that he and five other hostages were given an hour to decide amongst themselves which three will be killed and which three would get shot in the knee, while being filmed. A captor then told them they could be forgiven after satisfactorily denouncing the government. After the denunciations, they were returned to their places.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ohad Ben Ami's chilling testimony at the Knesset, 'They let us decide who would die' |date=1 July 2025 |work=Israel National News |url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/410967}}</ref> *Rom Braslavski said that he was sexually assaulted by his captors during his captivity in Gaza. He said that he was also blindfolded for three weeks and that stones were pushed into his ears to limit his hearing ability, and his rations of food and water were also reduced. He also said that he was repeatedly tied up, punched and assaulted with a metal cable several times a day.<ref>Gritten, David (7 November 2025). [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgkz0yzde80o Released Israeli hostage says he was sexually assaulted in Gaza captivity] ''BBC News''. Retrieved on 5 February 2026.</ref><ref>(November 2025). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkXou1PucAk Rom Breslavsky reveals sexual assaults in captivity: "They stripped me, tied me up naked"] Channel 13. Retrieved on 5 February 2026.</ref>

==== Children ==== * According to Ahal Besorai, the uncle of 17-year-old Noam and 13-year-old Alma Or, the two were driven out of the safe room in Be'eri, when their captors set the house on fire with them in it. They were captured and driven back to Gaza in a stolen car, with Noam in the trunk and his sister among eight captors at the front. They were kept separated from their father, Dror, who is also believed to have been kidnapped. They both lost weight.<ref name="Kershner-2023" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sinmaz |first=Emine |date=26 November 2023 |title=Teenagers freed by Hamas 'were not aware their mum was murdered' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/26/israeli-teenagers-freed-hamas-not-aware-mother-murdered |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128002950/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/26/israeli-teenagers-freed-hamas-not-aware-mother-murdered |archive-date=28 November 2023 |access-date=28 November 2023 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref name="Haaretz-2023">{{Cite news |date=28 November 2023 |title=קרוביו של איתן יהלומי: הוא הוחזק לבד בחדר סגור 16 ימים, איימו עליו שיהיה בשקט |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/2023-11-28/ty-article/.premium/0000018c-15b0-dd2e-a5ae-d7fbeb000000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128170144/https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/2023-11-28/ty-article/.premium/0000018c-15b0-dd2e-a5ae-d7fbeb000000 |archive-date=28 November 2023 |access-date=28 November 2023 |work=הארץ |language=he}}</ref> * Devora Cohen, the aunt of 12-year-old Eitan Yahalomi, said that he was beaten by Gazan residents and forced to watch videos of the 7 October atrocities. For the first 16 days of his captivity he was kept in isolation; after a month he was joined with a group of hostages from his home kibbutz, whom he knew. Any time he or another child cried, they were threatened with guns to keep quiet.<ref name="Haaretz-2023" /><ref>{{cite news |date=28 November 2023 |title=Aunt says Hamas forced 12-year-old hostage to watch videos of atrocities, aimed gun at him when he cried |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/aunt-says-hamas-forced-12-year-old-hostage-to-watch-videos-of-atrocities-aimed-gun-at-him-when-he-cried/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128130653/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/aunt-says-hamas-forced-12-year-old-hostage-to-watch-videos-of-atrocities-aimed-gun-at-him-when-he-cried/ |archive-date=28 November 2023 |access-date=28 November 2023 |work=The Times of Israel |issn=0040-7909}}</ref> * Thomas Hand, father of 9-year-old Emily Hand, noted that she and the other hostages that were with her always had at least one meal a day, but she was still hungry and lost weight. She was not beaten, but could not make noise and was only allowed to draw and play cards. As a result of the trauma, she continued to talk in whispers even after being released.<ref name="Picheta-2023" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Clarke |first1=Rachel |last2=Swails |first2=Brent |last3=Ward |first3=Clarissa |date=28 November 2023 |title=Father describes how his young daughter Emily survived Hamas captivity |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/28/middleeast/thomas-hand-emily-hostage-intl/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128165347/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/28/middleeast/thomas-hand-emily-hostage-intl/index.html |archive-date=28 November 2023 |access-date=28 November 2023 |work=CNN}}</ref><ref name="Clarke-2023" /> She referred to her place of captivity as "the box".<ref name="Clarke-2023" /> * Gilad Korngold, grandfather of 3-year-old Yahel and 8-year-old Nave, said that Yahel kept whispering for several days after being released, and Nave doesn't talk at all.<ref name="Mako-2023" /> * 17-year-old Agam Goldstein-Almog described another female hostage in captivity being sexually abused by a guard while she was washing herself in the sink.<ref>{{cite news |date=13 February 2024 |title=Terrorist 'sexually assaulted hostage at gunpoint': Freed captive recounts testimony |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/terrorist-sexually-assaulted-hostage-at-gunpoint-freed-captive-recounts-testimony/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214013747/https://www.timesofisrael.com/terrorist-sexually-assaulted-hostage-at-gunpoint-freed-captive-recounts-testimony/ |archive-date=14 February 2024 |access-date=14 February 2024 |publisher=Times of Israel|first= Ariella |last=Oldfield}}</ref>

== Notable hostages == {{main|List of Gaza war hostages}}

=== Noa Argamani === {{Main|Kidnapping of Noa Argamani}}

Israeli student Noa Argamani, who was at the trance party near Re'im, was kidnapped while with her partner Avinatan Or.<ref name="Guardian-Jones" /><ref> *{{Cite news |date=10 October 2023|first=Caitlin|last=O'Kane |title="Her name is Noa": Video shows woman being taken by Hamas at Supernova music festival where at least 260 were killed |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-supernova-festival-noa-argamani-hostage-hamas-attacks-video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011233638/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-supernova-festival-noa-argamani-hostage-hamas-attacks-video/ |archive-date=11 October 2023 |access-date=12 October 2023 |work=CBS News}} *{{cite web |date=12 October 2023 |title=Israel-Hamas war: mother of kidnapped woman says daughter is Israeli, not Chinese |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3237726/israel-hamas-war-mother-kidnapped-woman-says-daughter-israeli-not-chinese |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103022817/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3237726/israel-hamas-war-mother-kidnapped-woman-says-daughter-israeli-not-chinese |archive-date=3 November 2023 |access-date=3 November 2023 |publisher=South China Morning Post}}</ref> They were filmed being taken by the militants to Gaza, after WhatsApp messages they sent asking for help from their hiding place from 8:10 a.m. were exposed. The footage showed Argamani being taken on a motorcycle while reaching out for Or, who was led away by his captors on foot.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Messier |first=Ashlyn |date=9 October 2023 |title=Who is Noa Argamani? Woman kidnapped by Hamas terrorists at trance music festival in Israel |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/who-is-noa-argamani-woman-kidnapped-hamas-terrorists-trance-music-festival-israel |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010044332/https://www.foxnews.com/world/who-is-noa-argamani-woman-kidnapped-hamas-terrorists-trance-music-festival-israel |archive-date=10 October 2023 |access-date=10 October 2023 |work=Fox News}}</ref> Argamani survived an explosion of the house she was kept in and was eventually rescued along with three other hostages on 8 June 2024.<ref name="middleeasteye-argamani" /><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/idf-rescues-four-hostages-gaza-rcna156160 | title=Israeli military rescues 4 hostages; more than 200 Palestinians killed, Gaza health officials say | website=NBC News | date=9 June 2024}}</ref>

=== Bibas family === {{Main|Kidnapping and killing of the Bibas family}}

Militants abducted the Bibas family from kibbutz Nir Oz during the Nir Oz massacre: 9-month-old Kfir, 4-year-old Ariel, 32-year-old mother Shiri, and her 34-year-old husband Yarden.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Davis |first1=Barney |date=15 October 2023 |title=Family share heartbreaking footage of nine-month-old baby and four-year-old boy who were abducted by Hamas |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/boys-hamas-gaza-missing-video-b2430081.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203194320/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/boys-hamas-gaza-missing-video-b2430081.html |archive-date=3 December 2023 |access-date=2 December 2023 |website=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Sinmaz |first1=Emine |last2=McKernan |first2=Bethan |date=22 November 2023 |title=Families of hostages in Gaza wait to see if relatives among those freed |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/22/families-of-gaza-hostages-wait-to-see-if-relatives-among-those-freed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202043657/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/22/families-of-gaza-hostages-wait-to-see-if-relatives-among-those-freed |archive-date=2 December 2023 |access-date=3 December 2023 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> Shiri's parents, also abducted from their kibbutz, were later found deceased. Efforts to release Shiri and her children during the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas were unsuccessful, leading to claims by Hamas that they were killed in an Israeli airstrike. The IDF expressed doubts about these claims, amidst widespread concern and a campaign for their release.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kourdi |first1=Eyad |last2=Diamond |first2=Jeremy |last3=Michaelis |first3=Tamar |date=29 November 2023 |title=Israel assessing Hamas claim youngest hostage and family members are dead |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/29/middleeast/kfir-babas-israel-hamas-gaza-intl/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180139/https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/29/middleeast/kfir-babas-israel-hamas-gaza-intl/index.html |archive-date=7 December 2023 |access-date=6 December 2023 |website=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Fabian |first1=Emanuel |date=29 November 2023 |title=IDF investigating 'cruel' Hamas claim that Bibas children, mother killed in Gaza |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-investigating-cruel-hamas-claim-that-bibas-children-mother-killed-in-gaza/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202061459/https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-investigating-cruel-hamas-claim-that-bibas-children-mother-killed-in-gaza/ |archive-date=2 December 2023 |work=The Times of Israel}}</ref> On 1 February 2025 Yarden Bibas was released during the 2025 ceasefire and prisoner exchange.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Beaumont |first1=Peter |last2=Graham-Harrison |first2=Emma |last3=Kierszenbaum |first3=Quique |date=31 January 2025 |title=Hamas to release Israeli father amid 'grave concerns' for wife and children |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/31/hamas-to-release-israeli-hostage-yarden-bibas-wife-children-family |access-date=3 February 2025 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

On 20 February, Hamas handed over coffins alleged to contain the bodies of Shiri, Kfir and Ariel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hamas releases the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including mother and young sons|url=https://www.npr.org/2025/02/20/nx-s1-5301687/hamas-israel-hostage-bodies-release|access-date=20 February 2025 |website=NPR|date=20 February 2025 |last1=Lonsdorf |first1=Kat}}</ref> Israel confirmed that the bodies of Ariel and Kfir had been received and said that the forensic testing showed that they had been murdered in captivity. However, it stated that the adult female remains handed over were not of Shiri Bibas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 February 2025 |title=Body returned from Gaza not Bibas mother |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w172zbkhmhsd5x5 |access-date=14 July 2025 |website=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Amir |last=Bohbut |date=21 February 2025 |title=הגופה נבדקה שוב ושוב, אך לא נמצאה התאמה: ההפרה המחרידה של חמאס, מאחורי הקלעים |trans-title=The body was examined repeatedly, but no match was found: Hamas' horrific violation, behind the scenes |url=https://news.walla.co.il/item/3728957 |access-date=21 February 2025 |website=Walla.co.il |language=he}}</ref> The following day, her remains were handed over.<ref name=shirireturned/>

=== Hersh Goldberg-Polin === {{Main|Kidnapping and killing of Hersh Goldberg-Polin}}

23-year-old American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin was abducted by Hamas during the Re'im music festival massacre. During the festival, Hersh took refuge in a field shelter. His friend Aner Shapira died while repelling grenade attacks, and Hersh lost an arm before being abducted. His mother, Rachel Goldberg, has since been vocal in international and diplomatic arenas, including the United Nations and the March for Israel in Washington, D.C., campaigning for his release and demanding humanitarian intervention.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Coles |first=Isabel |date=16 October 2023 |title='I'm Not a Diplomat...I'm a Mom.' The American Parents Thrust Into the Israeli Hostage Crisis. |url=https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/hostage-israel-american-parents-gaza-779e86d1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119023330/https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/hostage-israel-american-parents-gaza-779e86d1 |archive-date=19 November 2023 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=16 October 2023 |title=He's a survivor: A mother fights for son kidnapped by Hamas militants |url=https://apnews.com/article/hersh-goldbergpolin-israel-hostages-hamas-8abbcae1e7092a0080e04731aecc39cb |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207110259/https://apnews.com/article/hersh-goldbergpolin-israel-hostages-hamas-8abbcae1e7092a0080e04731aecc39cb |archive-date=7 December 2023 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=AP News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 October 2023 |title=A Message From Beyond the Planet of Pain: In a Land Without Sleep Rachel Goldberg Finds, During the Dread, a Sliver of Hope |url=https://www.nysun.com/article/a-message-from-beyond-the-planet-of-pain-in-a-land-without-sleep-rachel-goldberg-finds-during-the-dread-a-sliver-of-hope |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214105503/https://www.nysun.com/article/a-message-from-beyond-the-planet-of-pain-in-a-land-without-sleep-rachel-goldberg-finds-during-the-dread-a-sliver-of-hope |archive-date=14 December 2023 |access-date=17 November 2023 |website=The New York Sun}}</ref> He was held hostage for almost 11 months, until his body was recovered from a tunnel in Rafah in the Gaza Strip on 31 August 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 September 2024 |title=Family confirms death of Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-hostages-hersh-netanyahu-29496f50a9b1740bd3905035ffd23052 |access-date=1 September 2024 |website=AP News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Biden |first=Joe |date=1 September 2024 |title=Statement from President Biden on Hersh Goldberg-Polin |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/08/31/statement-from-president-biden-on-hersh-goldberg-polin/ |access-date=1 September 2024 |website=The White House}}</ref> It was later reported by the Israeli government that Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages with him were killed by Hamas, shot from "close range" 1–2 days before their bodies were found. Their killings sparked nationwide protests in Israel about the continuation of the hostage crisis.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Christian |date=3 September 2024 |title=Hamas' brutal new tactics signal new phase in war and hostage crisis |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/03/middleeast/hamas-israel-hostage-deal-raise-stakes-intl/index.html |access-date=4 September 2024 |website=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=1 September 2024 |title=Autopsy finds 6 hostages were shot multiple times at close range in last 48–72 hours |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/autopsy-finds-6-hostages-shot-multiple-times-at-close-range-in-last-48-72-hours/ |work=The Times of Israel |issn=0040-7909}}</ref>

=== Naama Levy === {{Main|Kidnapping of Naama Levy}}

Naama Levy, a 19-year-old female conscript doing her military service, was abducted by Hamas militants during the attack on the Nahal Oz kibbutz military base. Footage released by Hamas showed Levy with multiple visible injuries, including injuries to her ankles and a large bloodstain on the seat of her gray sweatpants, which led to widespread concern that she had been raped or sexually assaulted.<ref name="toi-mother">{{cite news |date=9 December 2023 |title=Mother of Naama Levy, from harrowing Gaza video: 'Each minute is an eternity in hell' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/mother-of-naama-levy-from-harrowing-gaza-video-each-minute-is-an-eternity-in-hell/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308073218/https://www.timesofisrael.com/mother-of-naama-levy-from-harrowing-gaza-video-each-minute-is-an-eternity-in-hell/ |archive-date=8 March 2024 |access-date= |work=The Times of Israel |location=}}</ref><ref name="medialine">{{cite news |date=18 December 2023 |title=These Are the 14 Women Remaining in Captivity in Gaza, Facing an Uncertain Fate |url=https://themedialine.org/top-stories/women-held-captive-in-gaza-face-uncertain-fate/ |access-date= |location= |agency=The Media Line |last= Poris|first= Aaron}}</ref> On 24 January 2025 it was announced that Levy would be a part of the 2025 cease fire and hostage exchange process; she was released on the following day.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |last2=Mackenzie |first2=James |date=24 January 2025 |title=Hamas names four Israeli female soldier hostages to be freed in second swap |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-gives-names-four-israeli-hostages-be-released-saturday-2025-01-24/ |access-date=24 January 2025 |website=Reuters}}</ref> In March 2025, Levy met with President Trump at the White House along with freed hostages Noa Argamani, Eli Sharabi, Omer Shem Tov, Doron Steinbrecher, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, and Iair Horn.<ref name="y414">{{cite web |last=Wagenheim |first=Mike |date=6 March 2025 |title=Freed Israeli hostages tell Trump they didn't think they'd be freed before his return to White House |url=https://www.jns.org/freed-israeli-hostages-tell-trump-they-didnt-think-theyd-be-freed-before-his-return-to-white-house/ |access-date=7 July 2025 |website=JNS.org}}</ref>

=== Liri Albag === {{Main|Kidnapping of Liri Albag}}

Liri Albag was abducted with Naama Levy during the attack on the Nahal Oz base.<ref name="q053">{{cite web |last=Boxerman |first=Aaron |date=4 January 2025 |title=Hamas Releases Video of Teenage Israeli Soldier Held Hostage in Gaza |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/04/world/middleeast/hamas-israel-gaza-hostage.html |access-date=13 July 2025 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> Albag's experience as a hostage held by Hamas for 477 days received significant national and international media attention,<ref name="o088">{{cite web |last1=Michaelis |first1=Tamar |last2=Lister |first2=Tim |date=4 January 2025 |title=Family of hostage in latest Hamas video urges Netanyahu to take 'opportunity to bring them back' |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/04/middleeast/liri-albag-hostage-video-hamas-intl-latam |access-date=13 July 2025 |website=CNN}}</ref><ref name="l592">{{cite web |date=8 March 2025 |title='Being reborn': Liri Albag opens up about her release from Hamas |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-845179 |access-date=13 July 2025 |website=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref><ref name="o402">{{cite web |date=5 January 2025 |title=Hamas releases video of Israeli hostage Liri Albag as ceasefire talks resume |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3rq5pgdv47o |access-date=13 July 2025 |website=BBC Home}}</ref> not only because of the duration and harshness of her captivity<ref name="w089">{{cite web |date=8 April 2025 |title=Liri Albag's story of survival |url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406578 |access-date=13 July 2025 |website=Israel National News}}</ref> but also due to her actions during that time. Albag emerged as a leader among the hostages, communicating with captors on behalf of others. She was credited with saving the life of fellow hostage Amit Soussana by convincing captors that Soussana was not an IDF officer, likely preventing her execution.<ref name="l430">{{cite web |last=Fink |first=Rachel |date=29 January 2025 |title=Amit Soussana, Freed From Hamas Captivity, Recalls in Interview How Fellow Hostage Saved Her Life |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-01-29/ty-article/.premium/amit-soussana-freed-from-hamas-captivity-recalls-how-fellow-hostage-saved-her-life/00000194-b2c4-def2-afdc-feef3d5c0000 |access-date=13 July 2025 |website=Haaretz.com}}</ref><ref name="k659">{{cite web |date=25 January 2025 |title=The four female Israeli soldiers released by Hamas |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/four-female-israeli-soldiers-released-by-hamas-2025-01-25/ |access-date=14 July 2025 |website=Reuters}}</ref> After her release, Albag spoke about the psychological and physical trauma endured, as well as her perspectives on the ongoing conflict.<ref name="p463">{{cite web |last1=Fabian |first1=Emanuel |last2=Yohanan |first2=Nurit |date=8 March 2025 |title=Liri Albag recalls Gaza 'hell,' pain of knowing those against hostage deal would 'sacrifice' her |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liri-albag-recalls-gaza-hell-pain-of-knowing-those-against-hostage-deal-would-sacrifice-her/ |access-date=13 July 2025 |website=The Times of Israel}}</ref><ref name="q207">{{cite web |last=Cramer |first=Philissa |date=10 April 2025 |title=Freed hostage Liri Albag responds to backlash over Netanyahu criticism: 'I fear what we have become' |url=https://forward.com/fast-forward/711340/freed-hostage-liri-albag-responds-to-backlash-over-netanyahu-criticism-i-fear-what-we-have-become/ |access-date=13 July 2025 |website=The Forward}}</ref><ref name="b257">{{cite web |last=Lehmann |first=Noam |date=6 April 2025 |title='See the tears in our eyes': Ex-captive Wenkert urges cabinet to invite him to meeting |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/see-the-tears-in-our-eyes-ex-captive-wenkert-urges-cabinet-to-invite-him-to-meeting/ |access-date=13 July 2025 |website=The Times of Israel}}</ref> In June 2025, Albag decided to resume her military service.<ref name="e923">{{cite web |date=1 July 2025 |title=Former Hamas hostage will return to IDF service, father says |url=https://www.jns.org/former-hamas-hostage-will-return-to-idf-service-father-says/ |access-date=13 July 2025 |website=JNS.org}}</ref><ref name="d783">{{cite web |date=30 June 2025 |title=Liri Albag, Former Hamas Hostage, Decides To Resume Her Military Service |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel-at-war/artc-liri-albag-former-hamas-hostage-decides-to-resume-her-military-service |access-date=13 July 2025 |website=i24NEWS}}</ref>

=== Yarden Roman-Gat === {{Main|Kidnapping of Yarden Roman-Gat}}

Yarden Roman-Gat, a 36-year-old woman who is a dual national of Germany and Israel, along with her husband Alon and their 3-year-old daughter Gefen, were abducted by Hamas militants from their home in Kibbutz Be'eri during the Be'eri massacre and taken towards the Gaza Strip border. Yarden's act of self-sacrifice in saving her daughter during an escape attempt, and her subsequent two-month-long captivity in Gaza, garnered significant attention until her release on 29 November.<ref name="thejc">{{cite news |author=Gaby Wine |date=22 November 2023 |title=Mother who saved daughter from Hamas terrorists inspires new grassroots movement |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/community/mother-who-saved-daughter-from-hamas-terrorists-inspires-new-grassroots-movement-l4gxgilu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211221059/https://www.thejc.com/news/community/mother-who-saved-daughter-from-hamas-terrorists-inspires-new-grassroots-movement-l4gxgilu |archive-date=11 December 2023 |access-date=11 December 2023 |publisher=The Jewish Chronicle}}</ref><ref name="cnn-hostage-families">{{cite news |author1=Tara John |author2=Clarissa Ward |author3=Brent Swails |date=22 November 2023 |title=Families of Israeli hostages face an 'excruciating' wait for news after Israel and Hamas strike deal |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/22/middleeast/israeli-hostages-families-wait-deal-intl-cmd/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211221057/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/22/middleeast/israeli-hostages-families-wait-deal-intl-cmd/index.html |archive-date=11 December 2023 |access-date=11 December 2023 |publisher=CNN}}</ref>

=== Omer Shem Tov === {{Main|Omer Shem Tov}} [[File:Donald Trump meets with released Israeli hostages (2025) 02.jpg|thumb|Shem Tov (third from left) meeting with President Trump at the White House. Also pictured: Iair Horn, Naama Levy, Eli Sharabi, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Doron Steinbrecher, and Noa Argamani.]] Omer Shem Tov, a 21-year-old Israeli abducted from the Nova music festival, was held captive in Gaza for 505 days. His ordeal, the abuse he suffered, his refusal to cooperate with captors' demands to harm others, his increasing level of Jewish observance, and his advocacy for the other hostages brought him significant media coverage.<ref name="j2852">{{cite web |last=Kershner |first=Isabel |date=10 June 2025 |title=Young Israeli Hostage Says Finding Faith Helped Him Survive Hamas Captivity |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/10/world/middleeast/hostages-god-gaza-tunnels.html |access-date=7 July 2025 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> In May 2025, Shem Tov threw the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park on Jewish Heritage Night.<ref name="t994">{{cite web |last=Starr |first=Gabrielle |date=20 May 2025 |title=Former Hamas hostage throws first pitch at Fenway |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/05/19/red-sox-omer-shem-tov-israel-former-hamas-hostage-gaza-jewish-heritage-night-alex-bregman/ |access-date=7 July 2025 |website=Boston Herald}}</ref>

=== Eli Sharabi === {{Main|Eli Sharabi}}

Eli Sharabi was abducted from his home in Kibbutz Be'eri and held for 491 days. During captivity, Sharabi lost over 30 kilograms or 40% of his body weight,<ref name="x472">{{cite web |last1=Berman |first1=Lazar |last2=Freiberg |first2=Nava |date=2 March 2025 |title=Freed hostage Eli Sharabi to meet Trump this week, brother says |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/freed-hostage-eli-sharabi-to-meet-trump-this-week-brother-says/ |access-date=7 July 2025 |website=The Times of Israel}}</ref> returning to Israel weighing 44 kg.'''<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFTYLTddUdo |title='I Have Come Back from Hell': Eli Sharabi Speaks to U.N. Security Council |date=20 March 2025 |publisher=CBN News |access-date=5 July 2025 |via=YouTube}}</ref>''' Following a brief mourning period for his murdered family, he began a public advocacy campaign for the remaining hostages and the return of bodies held by Hamas. He traveled to the United States, met President Donald Trump at the White House, and addressed the United Nations Security Council.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=אדלסון |first1=דניאל |last2=יורק |first2=ניו |date=20 March 2025 |title=אלי שרעבי במועצת הביטחון של האו"ם: "גן העדן שלי הפך לגיהינום ב-7/10" |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/syq11bjyhye |access-date=5 July 2025 |work=Ynet |language=he}}</ref><ref name="t980">{{cite web |last1=Freiberg |first1=Nava |last2=Horovitz |first2=Michael |last3=Magid |first3=Jacob |last4=Berman |first4=Lazar |last5=Lehmann |first5=Noam |last6=Horovitz |first6=Michael |last7=Magid |first7=Jacob |date=20 March 2025 |title=Full text: Freed hostage Eli Sharabi asks UN Security Council, 'Where was the world?' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/full-text-freed-hostage-eli-sharabi-asks-un-security-council-where-was-the-world/ |access-date=6 July 2025 |website=The Times of Israel}}</ref><ref name="r688">{{cite web |last=Mishra |first=Vibhu |date=20 March 2025 |title=Gaza: 'Bring them all home now', freed hostage tells Security Council |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/03/1161306 |access-date=6 July 2025 |website=UN News}}</ref><ref name="v777">{{cite web |last=Ellis |first=Israel |date=7 April 2025 |title=Eli Sharabi's account of terror, and the deafening sound of silence |url=https://www.jns.org/eli-sharabis-account-of-terror-and-the-deafening-sound-of-silence/ |access-date=6 July 2025 |website=JNS.org}}</ref> In May 2025, he published the book ''Hostage'' through Sella Meir.<ref name="t917">{{cite web |last=Karmel |first=Ariela |date=30 May 2025 |title=A book to wake up the world: Ex-hostage Eli Sharabi launches memoir of captivity and survival |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/i-always-chose-life-ex-hostage-eli-sharabi-launches-memoir-of-captivity-and-survival/ |access-date=6 July 2025 |website=The Times of Israel}}</ref> The book, the first of its kind, describes his captivity experiences. It sold over 20,000 copies within a week,<ref name="m105">{{cite web |last=Steinberg |first=Jessica |date=24 June 2025 |title=Ex-hostage Eli Sharabi's autobiography sets Israeli record for fastest-selling book |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ex-hostage-eli-sharabis-autobiography-sets-israeli-record-for-fastest-selling-book/ |access-date=6 July 2025 |website=The Times of Israel}}</ref><ref name="d024">{{cite web |last=Izikovich |first=Gili |date=24 June 2025 |title=Freed Hostage Eli Sharabi's Memoir Becomes Fastest-selling Book in Hebrew Literary History |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-06-24/ty-article/.premium/freed-hostage-eli-sharabis-memoir-becomes-fastest-selling-book-in-hebrew-literary-history/00000197-a250-d32c-a5df-fa7b897b0000 |access-date=6 July 2025 |website=Haaretz.com}}</ref> received "Gold Book" status in Israel,<ref>{{Cite news |last=אייכנר |first=איתמר |date=30 May 2025 |title=אלי שרעבי: "בשבי ניסו לשחד אותנו שנקרא מהקוראן תמורת אוכל" |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/hy0hyqwzxg |access-date=5 July 2025 |work=Ynet |language=he}}</ref><ref name="o914">{{cite web |date=25 June 2025 |title=Eli Sharabi receives book award for 'Hostage' |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-858840 |access-date=6 July 2025 |website=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref> and was slated to be published in the US on 7 October 2025 by Harper Influence.<ref name="p812">{{cite web |last=Italie |first=Hillel |date=8 July 2025 |title='Hostage,' Eli Sharabi's memoir about life in Hamas captivity, is coming to the US |url=https://apnews.com/article/hamas-hostage-israel-eli-sharabi-memoir-a4cbc125c8e6e94fcc42ccb30d724ac2 |access-date=13 July 2025 |website=AP News}}</ref>

=== Edan Alexander === {{Main|Edan Alexander}}

Edan Alexander, a 19-year-old American-Israeli at the time of his abduction from his military base inside Israel, became the last known living American citizen held hostage by Hamas during the crisis. He was released after 584 days in captivity following direct negotiations between the United States and Hamas.<ref name="r792">{{cite web |last=Nierenberg |first=Amelia |date=4 July 2025 |title=Trump Welcomes Edan Alexander, Former Hamas Hostage, to White House |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/04/us/politics/trump-edan-alexander-hamas-hostage.html |access-date=7 July 2025 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> US Representative Josh Gottheimer described his return as "a huge day worthy of great celebration across our state."<ref name="u755">{{cite web |last=Tress |first=Luke |date=20 June 2025 |title=Freed hostage Edan Alexander given jubilant welcome as he returns home to New Jersey |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/freed-hostage-edan-alexander-given-jubilant-welcome-as-he-returns-home-to-new-jersey/ |access-date=6 July 2025 |website=The Times of Israel}}</ref>

== Responses == {{see also|Kidnapped from Israel}}On 16 October 2023, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the possibility of releasing the hostages taken during the Hamas attack on Israel.<ref>{{cite news |date=16 October 2023 |title=Turkey discusses with Hamas the release of civilian hostages -foreign ministry source |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-discusses-with-hamas-release-civilian-hostages-source-2023-10-16/ |access-date=31 October 2023 |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031113156/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-discusses-with-hamas-release-civilian-hostages-source-2023-10-16/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In a video released by Hamas in October 2023, three female hostages appeared. One of the women spoke, and laid the blame for their continued situation on the Israeli government and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She chided the Israeli government's bombing campaign, asking if they wanted all the hostages killed, and asked for the release of all Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.<ref name="Reals30102023">{{Cite web |last=Reals |first=Tucker |date=30 October 2023 |title=Hamas releases video of Israeli hostages in Gaza demanding Netanyahu agree to prisoner swap |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hamas-video-israel-hostages-gaza-demand-netanyahu-agree-prisoner-swap/ |access-date=2 November 2023 |website=CBS News |archive-date=1 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101172646/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hamas-video-israel-hostages-gaza-demand-netanyahu-agree-prisoner-swap/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

A poll by the Israeli newspaper ''Maariv'', conducted on 18–19 October 2023, found that 65% of Israelis supported a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip and 21% opposed it.<ref>{{cite news |title=Poll: 80% of Israelis say Netanyahu must publicly take responsibility for Oct. 7 failures |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/poll-80-of-israelis-say-netanyahu-must-publicly-take-responsibility-for-oct-7-failures/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=20 October 2023 |access-date=7 November 2023 |archive-date=23 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023123123/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/poll-80-of-israelis-say-netanyahu-must-publicly-take-responsibility-for-oct-7-failures/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In comparison, according to a poll conducted for the same newspaper on 25–26 October, only 29% of Israelis supported an immediate large-scale ground offensive into the Gaza Strip. ''Maariv'' said that "It is almost certain that the developments on the matter of the hostages, which is now topping the agenda, have had a great impact on this shift."<ref>{{cite news |first=Rory|last=Carroll|title=Israelis hesitant over Gaza ground invasion amid hostage fears, poll shows |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/27/israelis-hesitant-over-gaza-ground-invasion-amid-hostage-fears-poll-shows |work=The Guardian |date=27 October 2023|access-date=5 November 2023 |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103214543/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/27/israelis-hesitant-over-gaza-ground-invasion-amid-hostage-fears-poll-shows|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 21 February 2024, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated the hostages' return "is not the most important thing".<ref>{{cite web |title=Smotrich says bringing hostages home 'not the most important thing,' sparking outcry |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/smotrich-says-bringing-hostages-home-not-the-most-important-thing-sparking-outcry/ |website=The Times of Israel |date=20 February 2024 |access-date=22 February 2024 |archive-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222045703/https://www.timesofisrael.com/smotrich-says-bringing-hostages-home-not-the-most-important-thing-sparking-outcry/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2024, Orit Strook, the Minister of Settlements and National Missions, criticized a potential hostage deal, stating there are "soldiers who left everything behind and went out to fight for goals that the government defined, and we throw it in the trash to save 22 people or 33 or I don't know how many".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sokol |first1=Sam |title=Far-right minister: Hostage deal throws war goals in trash to save only 22–33 hostages |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/far-right-minister-claims-hostage-deal-throws-war-goals-in-trash-to-save-hostages/#:~:text=There%20are%20"soldiers%20who%20left,has%20no%20right%20to%20exist." |website=The Times of Israel |date=May 2024 |access-date=7 May 2024}}</ref>

During a debate regarding the status and repatriation of bodies of deceased suspected and confirmed Hamas militants in a June 2024 political-security cabinet meeting, Minister Ben Gvir stated the releasing of the bodies of militants limited Israel's ability to use them as leverage to exchange for hostages or bodies of hostages.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 June 2024 |title=סמוטריץ': "צריך לשים את הגופות בעגלה ולגרור אותן במרכז העיר" {{!}} הציטוטים המלאים מהקבינט |url=https://www.maariv.co.il/news/politics/Article-1106243 |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=www.maariv.co.il |language=he}}</ref>

=== Families of hostages === {{See also|Hostages and Missing Families Forum|Gaza war protests in Israel#"Bring Them Home Now" protests|September 2024 Israel hostage deal protests}}thumb|Family of 19-year-old Daniella Gilboa at a demonstration for the hostages' return, 14 October 2023Human rights groups, international organizations, and families of those held captive have called for an immediate release of the hostages.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Hamas releases two women held hostage after Egyptian-Qatari diplomacy|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/23/hamas-releases-two-women-held-hostage-after-egyptian-qatari-diplomacy |date=23 October 2023 |access-date=23 October 2023 |work=Al Jazeera English |archive-date=24 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024000743/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/23/hamas-releases-two-women-held-hostage-after-egyptian-qatari-diplomacy |url-status=live}}</ref> On Sunday evening, 8 October, the families of the kidnapped and missing held a press conference, demanding the government open ongoing talks with the families and carry out an operation to bring the missing home, appoint someone to maintain ongoing contact with the families, immediately involve Turkish President Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, to release the captives.<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 October 2023|title=WATCH: Families of Kidnapped Israelis Hold Tearful Press Conference Outside Tel Aviv|url=https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-families-of-kidnapped-israelis-hold-tearful-press-conference-outside-tel-aviv/|access-date=10 October 2023|website=UWI|archive-date=11 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011063532/https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-families-of-kidnapped-israelis-hold-tearful-press-conference-outside-tel-aviv/|url-status=live}}</ref> The government appointed Gal Hirsch to be in charge of the issue.<ref>{{cite news|last=Berman|first=Lazar|title=Netanyahu names general as government point man on missing Israelis|date=8 October 2023|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/netanyahu-names-general-as-government-point-man-on-missing-israelis/|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=16 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008223922/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/netanyahu-names-general-as-government-point-man-on-missing-israelis/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 26 October, the families of the hostages met with Netanyahu.<ref name="Carroll-2023">{{cite news |last=Carroll |first=Rory |date=28 October 2023 |title='Is there a plan?' Families of Israeli hostages demand answers from Netanyahu |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/28/is-there-a-plan-families-of-israeli-hostages-demand-answers-from-netanyahu |access-date=28 October 2023 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030102448/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/28/is-there-a-plan-families-of-israeli-hostages-demand-answers-from-netanyahu |url-status=live}}</ref> The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, that represents families of the abducted people, complained that no-one had explained "whether the ground operation endangers the well-being of the 229 hostages".<ref>{{cite news |date=28 October 2023 |title=Netanyahu meets Israeli hostages' families anxious over Gaza war plans |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67248317 |access-date=28 October 2023 |archive-date=5 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105205923/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67248317 |url-status=live}}</ref> The families also raised complaints that the government and Netanyahu had failed to provide updates to the families or meet with them until the meeting on 26 October.<ref name="Carroll-2023" /> Meirav Gonen, a representative for the families, expressed support for a full prisoner swap, stating: "a deal of a return of our family members immediately in the framework of 'all for all' is feasible, and there will be wide national support for this."<ref name="Jazeera-2023" /> According to one rabbi, Alberto Somekh, citing Talmud Gittin 45A, the Mishnah affirms that 'captives should not be redeemed for more than their value, to prevent abuses.' The view has been cited as one where religious principles are interpreted in a way to support the Netanyahu government's widely criticized position.<ref>Gad Lerner, ''Gaza: Odio e amore per Israele,'' Feltrinelli {{isbn|978-8-807-17450-6}} 2024 p.214.</ref>

[[File:Isaac Herzog in Beit HaNassi, October 2023 (KBG GPO7859).jpg|250px|thumb|Israeli President Isaac Herzog meeting with families of the kidnapped and missing persons held by Hamas]] On 14 November, it was reported that families of those held hostage began a five-day-long march to Netanyahu's home in Israel to demand action and answers. One family member was quoted as saying they did not feel like they were in good hands, and that they do not get enough information, while another called on the perceived in action of the Israeli government.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Campbell |first=Joseph |date=15 November 2023 |title=Israeli hostage families start 5-day march on Netanyahu's home |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-hostage-families-start-5-day-march-netanyahus-home-2023-11-14/ |access-date=16 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115163817/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-hostage-families-start-5-day-march-netanyahus-home-2023-11-14/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 December, at a rally outside the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israeli hostages released by Hamas called for the immediate release of fellow hostages left behind.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 December 2023 |title=Released Israeli hostages call for captives to be freed |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/released-israeli-hostages-call-captives-be-freed-2023-12-02/ |access-date=4 December 2023 |archive-date=3 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203233731/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/released-israeli-hostages-call-captives-be-freed-2023-12-02/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On 4 December, eight released Israeli hostages wrote a letter to the International Committee of the Red Cross, asking the organization to provide medical assistance and to visit their relatives still being held by Hamas in Gaza.<ref name="Rose04122023"/> The appeal was made due to reports, that the Red Cross was not allowed to visit the hostages since the beginning of the war, as for 29 November.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 November 2023 |title=Sources say Red Cross has not yet been allowed to visit hostages in Gaza – a violation of truce agreement |url=https://edition.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-11-29-23#h_61eb102350fea832e75d68e90f10423d |access-date=5 December 2023 |website=CNN |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130163229/https://edition.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-11-29-23/h_61eb102350fea832e75d68e90f10423d |url-status=live}}</ref>

In an early December 2023 meeting with Netanyahu and other members of the war cabinet, family members of those who are still held hostage by Hamas forces showed their outrage and frustration with the continued situation. In a published recording, Netanyahu can be heard blaming the end of the November 2023 cease-fire on Hamas while family members and supporters can be heard calling him a liar. Some former hostages also attended the meeting and spoke about the conditions they were held in, which were exasperated by Israeli airstrikes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 December 2023 |title='Chaos and yelling': Freed hostages, family members clash with Netanyahu in meeting |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/chaos-and-yelling-freed-hostages-family-members-clash-with-netanyahu-in-meeting/ |access-date=5 December 2023 |website=The Times of Israel |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205220913/https://www.timesofisrael.com/chaos-and-yelling-freed-hostages-family-members-clash-with-netanyahu-in-meeting/ |url-status=live}}</ref> One unnamed freed hostage from the kibbutz Nir Oz told Netanyahu: "Every day in captivity was extremely challenging. We were in tunnels, terrified that it would not be Hamas, but Israel, that would kill us, and then they would say Hamas killed you."<ref>{{cite news |title=Freed Hostages Reportedly Tell Netanyahu They Feared Israeli Bombs|first=Matt |last=Shuham |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/israeli-hostages-netanyahu-meeting-airstrikes_n_6570df6fe4b0a10def8b5bf0 |work=HuffPost |date=6 December 2023 |access-date=7 December 2023 |archive-date=7 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207223630/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/israeli-hostages-netanyahu-meeting-airstrikes_n_6570df6fe4b0a10def8b5bf0 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Leaked audio of heated meeting reveals hostages' fury at Netanyahu |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/12/06/middleeast/leaked-audio-of-heated-meeting-reveals-hostages-fury-at-netanyahu/index.html |work=CNN |date=6 December 2023 |access-date=7 December 2023 |archive-date=7 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207212505/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/12/06/middleeast/leaked-audio-of-heated-meeting-reveals-hostages-fury-at-netanyahu/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:President Joe Biden meets with Liat Atzili, an Israeli-American who was freed in November after being held hostage by Hamas, Monday, July 8, 2024, in the Oval Office.jpg|thumb|U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Liat Atzili, an Israeli-American who was freed in November after being held hostage by Hamas on 8 July 2024, in the White House]] In January 2024, the mother of Ron Sherman, a deceased hostage whose body was recovered by the IDF, accused the Israeli military of killing her son by filling the tunnel he was in with poison gas.<ref>{{cite web |title=IDF fails to confirm Gaza hostages' cause of death, mother claims poisoning |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-782544 |website=The Jerusalem Post |date=17 January 2024}}</ref> (Sherman was killed by an Israeli airstrike on 12 December.<ref name="jpost20240910">{{Cite web |date=10 September 2024 |title=IDF confirms it mistakenly killed three hostages in Gaza city bombing |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-819506 |access-date=10 September 2024 |website=The Jerusalem Post |issn=0792-822X}}</ref>) About 20 relatives of hostages still held as captives by Hamas stormed a Knesset finance committee on 22 January, a day after Netanyahu rejected new Hamas conditions for ending the war and releasing the remaining hostages. Many voiced their displeasure at the apparent lack of resolution in having the remaining hostages freed.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McKernan |first=Bethan |date=22 January 2024 |title=Gaza hostages' families storm Knesset meeting to demand their return |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/22/families-israeli-hostages-storm-knesset-meeting-netanyahu-rejects-hamas-offer-fighting-gaza |access-date=22 January 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122202542/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/22/families-israeli-hostages-storm-knesset-meeting-netanyahu-rejects-hamas-offer-fighting-gaza |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=22 January 2024 |title=Families of Israeli hostages storm Knesset parliament meeting |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-68054982 |access-date=22 January 2024 |work=BBC |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122213954/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-68054982 |url-status=live}}</ref>

That same month, the group Tsav 9 was created on Facebook and grew to over 400 members of family members of those taken hostage. The group became active in disrupting the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The group actions have caused it to be characterized as a "violent extremist" group by the United States in June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last= Lewis|first= Simon|date= 14 June 2024|title=US imposes sanctions on Israeli group that attacked Gaza aid |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-impose-sanctions-israeli-group-that-attacked-gaza-aid-2024-06-14/ |access-date=14 June 2024 |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sanctioning Israeli Group for Disrupting and Destroying Humanitarian Aid to Civilians |url=https://www.state.gov/sanctioning-israeli-group-for-disrupting-and-destroying-humanitarian-aid-to-civilians/ |access-date=14 June 2024 |website=United States Department of State}}</ref>

After a "Settlement Brings Security" ({{langx|he|התיישבות מביאה ביטחון|Hitiashvút Mevi'ávi Takhón}}) Conference was held in Jerusalem on 28 January 2024, sponsored by the right-wing Nachala (Israeli settler organization) pushing for resettlement of the Gaza Strip, many family members expressed their concerns about the conference in context of the crisis. It was strongly criticized for the festive atmosphere, for the movement's forming a perceived impediment to the hostages' release, and for its calls for coerced emigration of Palestinians from their country. One family member stated of the conferencegoers "you're dancing on their blood".<ref name="hostage-families">{{cite news |title='You're Dancing on Their Blood': Israeli Hostage Families Outraged Over Resettlement Conference |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-01-29/ty-article/.premium/youre-dancing-on-their-blood-hostage-families-outraged-over-resettlement-conference/0000018d-5679-d0fc-a9bd-5e7d6c8b0000 |access-date=30 January 2024 |work=Haaretz |archive-date=29 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129200422/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-01-29/ty-article/.premium/youre-dancing-on-their-blood-hostage-families-outraged-over-resettlement-conference/0000018d-5679-d0fc-a9bd-5e7d6c8b0000 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="jpost">{{cite news |last1=Sharon |first1=Jeremy |date=28 January 2024 |title=At Jerusalem conference, settler activists call for return to Jewish settlements in Gaza |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/settler-activists-call-for-return-to-jewish-settlements-in-gaza-at-jerusalem-conference/ |access-date=29 January 2024 |work=The Jerusalem Post |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128174538/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/settler-activists-call-for-return-to-jewish-settlements-in-gaza-at-jerusalem-conference/ |url-status=live |issn=0792-822X}}</ref> [[File:Isaac Herzog in Beit HaNassi, November 2023 (GPOHZ0 2153).jpg|thumb|Elon Musk meets with President Isaac Herzog and families of hostages, 27 November 2023]] A delegation of family members of Israeli hostages, along with several dozen lawyers, went to The Hague to file complaints against Hamas leaders at the International Criminal Court, which is empowered to prosecute individuals for serious violations of the Geneva Conventions that amount to war crimes.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sharon |first=Jeremy |date=14 February 2024 |title='Hamas is Hitler's successor': Hostages' families head to The Hague to file complaint |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-is-hitlers-successor-hostages-families-head-to-the-hague-to-file-complaint/ |access-date=14 February 2024 |work=The Times of Israel |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214095113/https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-is-hitlers-successor-hostages-families-head-to-the-hague-to-file-complaint/ |url-status=live |issn=0040-7909}}</ref>

After Israel's National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi in May 2024 had a discussion with several relatives of the hostages, one relative told the media that Hanegbi had indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would only agree to a deal regarding the hostages if, according to the relative, "it's going to be politically good for [Netanyahu], that if he sees polls that say that the Israeli public wants to see the hostages home more than it wants the continuation of the war, then he will make a deal that will bring all the hostages home".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Raf |title=Netanyahu won't agree to hostage release deal unless it polls well for him, Israeli families say they were told |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-hamas-war-hostage-deal-netanyahu-polls-families-rcna154841 |access-date=5 June 2024 |work=NBC News |date=31 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Government sacrificing hostages, families say, following fraught Hanegbi meet |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/government-sacrificing-hostages-families-say-after-fraught-hanegbi-meet/ |access-date=5 June 2024 |work=The Times of Israel |date=31 May 2024}}</ref>

In early-September 2024, hostage families stated that executives at Channel 14 had told them a hostage deal would not happen because it would threaten Netanyahu's coalition government.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fink |first1=Rachel |title=Israeli Hostages' Families Say pro-Netanyahu Channel Told Them Coalition Trumps Deal |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-09-04/ty-article/.premium/israeli-hostages-families-say-pro-netanyahu-channel-told-them-coalition-trumps-deal/00000191-bd90-dffe-abf9-bdff65c90000 |newspaper=Haaretz |date=4 September 2024 |access-date=15 September 2024|url-access=subscription}}</ref> On 7 September 2024, mass demonstrations were held in support of the liberation of hostages in exchange for a cease-fire deal with Hamas.<ref name="500k">{{cite news |last1=Lehmann |first1=Noam |last2=Schejter |first2=Iddo |last3=Kirsch |first3=Elana |date=8 September 2024 |title=Organizers claim largest-ever rally in Tel Aviv as calls for hostage deal intensify |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/organizers-claim-largest-ever-rally-in-tel-aviv-as-calls-for-hostage-deal-intensify/ |access-date=8 September 2024 |newspaper=Times of Israel}}</ref> The organising groups estimated that 500,000 participated in the Tel Aviv protest, with 250,000 more at rallies around the country.<ref name= 500k/> This made it the largest-ever rally in Israel after the street protests organised by Peace Now on 25 September 1982, after the Sabra and Shatila massacre, with an estimated 400,000 participants, c. 10% of Israel's population;<ref name= CIE>[https://israeled.org/israelis-protest-sabra-and-shatila-massacre/?noamp=mobile "Israelis Protest Sabra and Shatila Massacre"], Center for Israel Education, 25 September 1982, accessed 8 September 2024.</ref> and the 2023 Israeli judicial reform protests.<ref name= twih>{{cite news |author=Tamara Zieve |title= This Week In History: Masses protest Sabra, Shatila |newspaper= The Jerusalem Post |date= 23 September 2012 |url=https://m.jpost.com/features/in-thespotlight/this-week-in-history-masses-protest-sabra-shatila#google_vignette |access-date= 8 September 2024}}</ref> [[File:Hostages Square 09102025 10.jpg|thumb|Israeli's gather in Hostages Square on 9 October 2025 after announcement of the Gaza peace plan]] In August 2025, after the Israeli Prime Minister's Office declared its control over Gaza City, the spouse of one hostage remarked, "This is not merely a military decision. It could represent a death sentence for those we cherish the most." The spouse of another hostage stated, "Following two years of conflict, there has been no advancement."<ref>{{cite web |title=Thousands in Tel Aviv protest against Netanyahu's plan to escalate Gaza war |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/09/thousands-in-tel-aviv-protest-against-netanyahus-plan-to-escalate-gaza-war |website=The Guardian |date=10 August 2025 }}</ref>

In the aftermath of the Israeli assault on Hamas leaders in Dodah in September 2025, numerous families of the hostages, along with their supporters, organized marches in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Karmi Gat, Beersheba, and various other cities and towns throughout the nation. They expressed their belief that the attack was endangering diplomatic initiatives aimed at securing the release of prisoners who had been detained in Gaza for 708 days. "We are currently witnessing yet another intentional effort to undermine the hostage return agreement," stated the association in a press release. "This is not a conflict aimed at toppling Hamas, but rather a conflict that poses a threat to the stability of Israeli society – and we will not allow that to occur!" They called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Horovitz |first1=Michael |title=Hostage families ahead of weekly rallies: 'Witnessing another attempt to sabotage a deal' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hostage-families-ahead-of-weekly-rallies-witnessing-another-attempt-to-sabotage-a-deal/ |website=Times Of Israel |date=13 September 2025 }}</ref>

=== International === [[File:Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations.png|thumb|On 12 December 2023, the UN General Assembly passed Resolution ES-10/22 calling for an immediate ceasefire and the "immediate and unconditional" release of the hostages.]] On 16 October 2023, a report sent to the International Committee of the Red Cross by the Geneva-based organization Hostage and Missing Families Forum medical team, headed by Hagai Levine, said hostages are "in urgent need of treatment and lifesaving medication" and are "prone to immediate mortality." The report also expressed concern about babies requiring infant formula.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sokol |first=Sam |title=Hostages' Families Group to Red Cross: Many of Almost 200 Israelis Held in Gaza in Severe Need of Medical Treatment|date=16 October 2023|work=Haaretz|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-16/ty-article/.premium/many-of-almost-200-israelis-held-in-gaza-in-severe-need-of-medical-treatment/0000018b-38b8-d0ac-a39f-b9bad3600000 |access-date=19 October 2023 |archive-date=22 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022174808/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-16/ty-article/.premium/many-of-almost-200-israelis-held-in-gaza-in-severe-need-of-medical-treatment/0000018b-38b8-d0ac-a39f-b9bad3600000 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Levine|first=Hagai|title=Preliminary Medical Report of the Missing/Abducted people by Hamas|date=15 October 2023|url=https://img.mako.co.il/2023/10/17/MedicalreporttoICRC1510.pdf |publisher=The Hostages and Missing Families Forum |access-date=20 October 2023 |archive-date=19 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019170558/https://img.mako.co.il/2023/10/17/MedicalreporttoICRC1510.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 25 October 2023, Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani stated that there had been some progress in the hostage negotiations.<ref>{{cite news|title=Qatar's PM hopes for breakthrough on Hamas hostages' release 'soon'|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10047665/qatar-hamas-hostage-negotiations/|work=Global News|date=25 October 2023|access-date=25 October 2023|archive-date=25 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025133314/https://globalnews.ca/news/10047665/qatar-hamas-hostage-negotiations/|url-status=live}}</ref> That same day, World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus met with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum and said:<blockquote>There is an urgent need for the captors of the hostages to provide signs of life, proof of provision of health care and the immediate release, on humanitarian and health grounds, of all those abducted.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WHO calls for immediate release, access to, and medical support for hostages taken by Hamas |url=https://www.who.int/news/item/25-10-2023-who-calls-for-immediate-release--access-to--and-medical-support-for-hostages-taken-by-hamas |date=25 October 2023 |access-date=26 October 2023 |publisher=World Health Organization |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026010640/https://www.who.int/news/item/25-10-2023-who-calls-for-immediate-release--access-to--and-medical-support-for-hostages-taken-by-hamas |url-status=live}}</ref></blockquote>US State department spokesman, Mathew Miller suggested in response to a question about evidence of Hamas sexual and gender based violence on 7 October, that the reason Hamas was holding on to female Israeli hostages was to prevent them from testifying about their experiences in Hamas captivity.<ref>{{Cite news |last=BOTBOL |first=AMELIE |date=5 December 2023 |title=Israel-led UN special session condemns world silence on Hamas using rape as weapon of war |work=Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-led-un-special-session-condemns-world-silence-on-hamas-using-rape-as-weapon-of-war/ |access-date=5 December 2023 |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205221600/https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-led-un-special-session-condemns-world-silence-on-hamas-using-rape-as-weapon-of-war/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Department Press Briefing – December 4, 2023 |url=https://www.state.gov/briefings/department-press-briefing-december-4-2023/ |access-date=17 December 2023 |website=United States Department of State |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205013529/https://www.state.gov/briefings/department-press-briefing-december-4-2023/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2024, a government building in Tehran—frequently used for displaying murals in both Hebrew and Persian—was updated to feature a collage of photographs of hostages held by Hamas, accompanied by the phrase "No hostages will be freed," shown in both languages.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fassihi |first=Farnaz |date=25 October 2024 |title=Murals in Tehran Offer Tributes and Threats Against Israel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/25/world/middleeast/iran-israel-war-tehran-murals.html |work=The New York Times}}</ref>

== Hostages count ==

{|class= "wikitable" ! scope=col style="width: 330px;" | Description ! Subtotals ! Totals ! Notes |- |Hostages taken on 7 October 2023 | |align= "right"|251 | |- |— taken alive |align= "right"|most | |rowspan=2|an indeterminate number of hostages were taken dead<ref>[https://www.hrw.org/report/2024/07/17/i-cant-erase-all-the-blood-from-my-mind/palestinian-armed-groups-october-7 ''"I Can't Erase All the Blood from My Mind": Palestinian Armed Groups' October 7 Assault on Israel''], Human Rights Watch, 17 July 2024. Retrieved 20 October 2025.</ref><ref>[https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session56/a-hrc-56-crp-3.pdf ''Detailed Findings on Attacks Carried Out on and after 7 October 2023 in Israel''], UN Human Rights Council, A/HRC/56/CRP.3, 10 June 2024, paragraph 45. Retrieved 20 October 2025.</ref> |- |— taken dead |align= "right"|some | |- |Hostages taken earlier and still held | |align= "right"|4 | |- |— taken alive in 2014 |align= "right"|1 | | |- |- |— taken dead in 2014 |align= "right"|2 | | |- |— taken alive in 2015 |align= "right"|1 | | |-style="background:ivory;" |'''Hostages taken''' | |align= "right"|'''255''' | |- |Hostages returned alive | |align= "right"|168 | |- |— November 2023 ceasefire |align= "right"|105 | | |- |— rescued by IDF |align= "right"|8 | | |- |— miscellaneous releases |align= "right"|5 | | |- |— January 2025 ceasefire |align= "right"|30 | |including the two living hostages from 2014 and 2015 |- |— October 2025 peace plan |align= "right"|20 | | |- |Hostages returned dead | |align= "right"|87 | |- |— recovered by IDF |align= "right"|48 | |including one of the dead hostages from 2014 |- |— killed by IDF friendly fire |align= "right"|3 | | |- |— January 2025 ceasefire |align= "right"|8 | | |- |— October 2025 peace plan |align= "right"|28 | |including the other dead hostage from 2014 |-style="background:ivory;" |'''Hostages returned''' | |align= "right"|'''255''' | |}

== Timeline == {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+ {{sronly|Timeline}} |- ! scope="col" | Date ! scope="col" | Summary |- !scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" |{{dts|20 July 2014}} |Oron Shaul dies in battle; body taken hostage<ref>{{cite news|last1=Harel|first1=Amos|title=Soldiers killed in Gaza were deployed in 50-year-old APC|url=https://www.haaretz.com/2014-07-20/ty-article/.premium/soldiers-killed-in-gaza-were-deployed-in-50-year-old-apc/0000017f-dc5b-d3ff-a7ff-fdfb05690000|access-date=15 October 2014|publisher=Haaretz|date=20 July 2014}}</ref> |- !scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" |{{dts|1 August 2014}} |Hadar Goldin dies in battle; body taken hostage<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 August 2014 |title=Israeli 2nd Lt. Hadar Goldin Feared Captured in Gaza: Military |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/middle-east-unrest/israeli-2nd-lt-hadar-goldin-feared-captured-gaza-military-n170276 |access-date=13 February 2025 |website=NBC News}}</ref> |- !scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" |{{dts|7 September 2014}} |Avera Mengistu, an Israeli civilian who suffers from mental illness crosses into Gaza and is taken hostage by Hamas<ref name="Ynet_swap">{{cite news|title=Israel: No Hamas prisoner release for two missing Israelis|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4678328,00.html|publisher=Ynet|date=10 July 2015 |access-date=14 July 2025 |last=Zitun |first=Yoav}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top; border-top:2px solid #000 !important;" |{{dts|20 April 2015}} | style="border-top:2px solid #000 !important;" | Hisham al-Sayed, a Bedouin-Israeli civilian who suffers from mental illness crosses into Gaza and is taken hostage by Hamas<ref name="Ynet_swap"/> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top; border-top:2px solid #000 !important;" | {{dts|7 October 2023}} | style="vertical-align: top; border-top:2px solid #000 !important;" | 251 hostages taken from Supernova music festival, Nir Oz, Be'eri, Kfar Aza, Nahal Oz and other Gaza envelope communities. Hostages include soldiers and civilians: * {{armed forces|Israel| name = IDF}} 23+ soldiers * {{flagicon|Israel}} ~200 Jewish Israeli civilians * {{flagicon|Israel}} 6+ Bedouin Israeli civilians{{efn| Including Samer Talalka.}} * {{flagicon|Thailand}} 31 Thai citizens<ref>{{cite web | title=Five Thai released hostages in Israeli territory, military says | website=Bangkok Post | date=30 January 2025 | url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2950992/five-thai-released-hostages-in-israeli-territory-military-says | access-date=10 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Shurafa | first1=Wafaa | last2=Jahjouh | first2=Mohammad | last3=Goldenberg | first3=Tia | agency=Associated Press | title=Five released Thai hostages return to Bangkok after more than a year of captivity in Gaza | website=PBS News | date=9 February 2025 | url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/five-released-thai-hostages-return-to-bangkok-after-more-than-a-year-of-captivity-in-gaza | access-date=10 April 2025}}</ref> * {{flagicon|Philippines}} 1 Filipino citizen * {{flagicon|Tanzania}} 1 Tanzanian citizen<ref>{{cite web | last=Ogao | first=Emma | title=Tanzanian national taken hostage by Hamas confirmed dead | website=ABC News | date=14 December 2023 | url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/tanzanian-national-hostage-hamas-confirmed-dead/story?id=105654126 | access-date=6 March 2025}}</ref> * {{flagicon|Nepal}} 1 Nepalese citizen<ref>{{cite web | title=Family, friends fear for fate of Nepali hostage Bipin Joshi: 'He saved our lives' | website=The Times of Israel | date=17 February 2025 | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/family-friends-fear-for-fate-of-nepali-hostage-bipin-joshi-he-saved-our-lives/ | access-date=9 March 2025}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|8 October 2023}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Analysis from the Washington Post determines that four hostages were killed shortly after being taken captive in Kibbutz Be'eri.<ref name="KellyCahlan2023"/>{{citation needed| reason = The list in Haaretz has details on more |date=January 2024}} |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|9 October 2023}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades threatens to execute hostages if civilian homes are bombed "without warning". |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|14 October 2023}} |Hamas reports that nine hostages had been killed over a 24-hour period due to sustained IDF airstrikes. Israeli officials responded that as the hostages were in Hamas custody, the hostages well being was their responsibility.<ref name="independent20231014" /> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|17 October 2023}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Hamas releases a video of hostage Mia Schem; after her release she describes the video was forced against her will.<ref name="Kottasová2023"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gavrielov |first1=Nadav |date=30 December 2023 |title=An Israeli hostage describes her time in captivity in searing detail. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/30/world/middleeast/hostage-israel-hamas-gaza.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231202603/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/30/world/middleeast/hostage-israel-hamas-gaza.html |archive-date=31 December 2023 |access-date=19 January 2024 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|20 October 2023}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Hamas releases two American hostages unilaterally.<ref name="ABC-Hutchinson"/> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|23 October 2023}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Hamas releases two elderly Israeli female hostages unilaterally.<ref name="Guardian-Burke"/> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|30 October 2023}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Israeli forces rescue Ori Megidish, an Israeli female soldier that had been held hostage in northern Gaza.<ref>{{cite news |title=Israeli military says it freed captured soldier in Gaza ground operations |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/30/israeli-military-says-it-freed-captured-soldier-in-gaza-ground-operations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102022858/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/30/israeli-military-says-it-freed-captured-soldier-in-gaza-ground-operations |archive-date=2 November 2023 |access-date=19 January 2024 |work=Al Jazeera}}</ref> Hamas releases a video showing three female hostages pleading to be released.<ref name="Reals30102023"/> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|4 November 2023}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Hamas claims that more than 60 hostages are missing "because of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza."<ref name="Reuters04112023"/> |- !scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|9 November 2023}} |Abu Obaida, spokesperson for Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades, announced the release of two Israeli-American hostages, a mother and daughter, citing "humanitarian reasons." They were later handed over to Israeli forces at the Gaza Strip border.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |last2=Cox |first2=Eric |title=Released by Hamas, American mother, daughter reunited with family |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-releases-two-us-hostages-for-humanitarian-reasons-response-qatari-efforts-2023-10-20/ |website=Reuters |access-date=3 June 2025 |date=21 October 2023}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|14 November 2023}} |Three hostages are killed by an Israeli airstrike which targeted and killed Hamas Gaza City Brigade Chief Ahmed Ghandour on 14 November.<ref name="jpost20240910" /><ref name="timesofisrael20240910">{{Cite news |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=10 September 2024 |title=Ex-hostage's mother denies IDF told her he was killed in Gaza airstrike |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ex-hostages-mother-denies-idf-told-her-he-was-killed-in-gaza-airstrike/ |access-date=10 September 2024}}</ref> Their bodies were recovered by the IDF on 15 December but the Israeli government did not publicly reveal the cause of their death until September 2024.<ref name="jpost20240910" /><ref name="timesofisrael20240910" /> A Hamas statement issued 22 December 2023 along with video of the hostages had stated that the organization "tried to keep them alive – but Netanyahu insisted on killing them."<ref name="jpost20240910" /> *{{flagicon|Israel}} Elia Toledano, Nik Beizer, and Ron Sherman |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|16 November 2023}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Israel announces that it has recovered the bodies of two hostages, Yehudit Weiss and Corporal Noa Marciano, from buildings adjacent to Al-Shifa hospital.<ref name="Boxerman16112023"/> |- !scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|17 November 2023}} |Hamas releases a video confirming the death of 86-year-old hostage Arye Zalmanovich, claiming he has died due to a heart attack caused by IDF airstrikes.<ref name="newsweek20231118" /> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|21 November 2023}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Israel releases footage that it says shows hostages being taken into Al-Shifa hospital by armed men. According to Israel, a third hostage, Corporal Noa Marciano, was taken to Al-Shifa hospital and executed there. Hamas had previously claimed that Marciano was killed in an Israeli airstrike on 9 November.<ref name="Beake-2023"/> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|24 November 2023|format=hide}}24–30 November 2023 | style="vertical-align: top;" | Hamas and Israel agree to a four-day ceasefire in which 50 Israeli hostages would be released for 150 Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire was extended by three additional days. The hostages to be released during the ceasefire included women and minors.<ref>{{cite web |last=Goldenberg |first=Tia |date=24 November 2023 |title=What does the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas look like? |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-what-to-know-af1cfbc9dcaa1485ed7a9efaca7ec2b7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128234445/https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-what-to-know-af1cfbc9dcaa1485ed7a9efaca7ec2b7 |archive-date=28 November 2023 |access-date=20 January 2024 |work=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Goldenberg |first1=Tia |last2=Magdy |first2=Sami |last3=Jeffrey |first3=Jack |date=27 November 2023 |title=Israel and Hamas agree to extend truce for two more days, and to free more hostages and prisoners |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-27-2023-852065d35c4643f4c874fb5993313b13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202024802/https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-27-2023-852065d35c4643f4c874fb5993313b13 |archive-date=2 February 2024 |access-date=20 January 2024 |work=Associated Press}}</ref> Hamas releases 80 Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of 240 prisoners during the weeklong ceasefire.<ref name="TOI231130"/> Separate from the broader hostage release, on 26 November 2023, Hamas releases a dual citizen Russian-Israeli hostage, "as a result of the movement's appreciation for President Putin's positions".<ref>{{cite news |date=30 November 2023 |title=An American citizen is among the hostages freed by Hamas |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-rcna127130 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117205317/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-rcna127130 |archive-date=17 January 2024 |access-date=19 January 2024 |work=NBC News}}</ref> Hamas also released 23 Thai hostages and one Filipino hostage during the weeklong ceasefire in a separate agreement between Hamas and the Thai government.<ref name="Setboonsarng2023"/><ref>{{cite web | title=Filipino former Hamas hostage reunites with family in Manila | website=Benar News | date=18 December 2023 | url=https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/hostage-home-12182023121924.html#:~:text=Pacheco%20and%20another%20Filipino%20were,ceasefire%20between%20Israel%20and%20Hamas | access-date=9 March 2025}}</ref> * {{flagicon|Israel}} 81 from Israel * {{flagicon|Thailand}} 23 from Thailand * {{flagicon|Philippines}} 1 from the Philippines |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|29 November 2023}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Hamas reports that members of the Bibas family, a 10-month old, a 4-year-old and their mother were apparently killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.<ref name="Talmazan 2023" /> The IDF and Shin Bet announce they have recovered the body of deceased hostage Ophir Sarfati in recent days.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://haipo.co.il/en/item/488684 |work=Haipo |accessdate=16 February 2025 |date=30 November 2023 |title=Ophir Srafati was considered abducted for 54 days – today the family was informed of his death}}</ref><ref name="Tzarfati">{{cite web |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=1 December 2023 |title=Troops recover body of Ofir Tzarfati in Gaza, returning him to Israel for burial |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/troops-recover-body-of-ofir-tzarfati-in-gaza-returning-him-to-israel-for-burial/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202024802/https://www.timesofisrael.com/troops-recover-body-of-ofir-tzarfati-in-gaza-returning-him-to-israel-for-burial/ |archive-date=2 February 2024 |access-date=20 January 2024 |work=The Times of Israel}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|1 December 2023}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Four hostages from Nir Oz were announced to have died in captivity.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 December 2023 |title=Army: 4 Nir Oz residents abducted in Oct. 7 onslaught died in Hamas captivity |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/nir-oz-says-3-residents-abducted-in-oct-7-onslaught-died-in-hamas-captivity/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202181827/https://www.timesofisrael.com/nir-oz-says-3-residents-abducted-in-oct-7-onslaught-died-in-hamas-captivity/ |archive-date=2 December 2023 |access-date=29 December 2023 |work=The Times of Israel}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|8 December 2023}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Hamas says hostage Sahar Baruch was killed in a failed rescue attempt.<ref name="CNN 2023"/> On 3 January 2024, the IDF admitted that Baruch was killed during a failed rescue attempt and two Israeli soldiers were wounded while attempting the rescue attempt.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=3 January 2024 |title=IDF admits hostage Sahar Baruch was killed during failed rescue attempt last month |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-admits-hostage-sahar-baruch-killed-during-failed-rescue-attempt-last-month/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114141232/https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-admits-hostage-sahar-baruch-killed-during-failed-rescue-attempt-last-month/ |archive-date=14 January 2024 |access-date=20 January 2024 |work=The Times of Israel}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|12 December 2023}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | The IDF recovers the bodies of two hostages in underground tunnels in Jabalia, Gaza:<ref>{{cite web |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=12 December 2023 |title=IDF retrieves bodies of two hostages from Gaza: Eden Zacharia and Ziv Dado |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-retrieves-bodies-of-two-hostages-from-gaza-eden-zacharia-and-ziv-dado/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202024802/https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-retrieves-bodies-of-two-hostages-from-gaza-eden-zacharia-and-ziv-dado/ |archive-date=2 February 2024 |access-date=20 January 2024 |work=The Times of Israel}}</ref> They were:

*{{flagicon|Israel}} Eden Zechariah and Ziv Dado |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|15 December 2023}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Three Israeli hostages are shot dead by the IDF while waving a white-flag in Shuja'iyya, Gaza in a friendly fire incident.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Boxerman |first1=Aaron |last2=Bergman |first2=Ronen |author-link2=Ronen Bergman |date=16 December 2023 |title=Israel-Hamas War: Hostages Waved White Flag Before Being Shot By Israeli Troops |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/12/16/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123135251/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/12/16/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news |archive-date=23 January 2024 |access-date=13 January 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The IDF recovers the bodies of three additional hostages in Gaza.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gupta |first1=Gaya |last2=Yoon |first2=John |date=15 December 2023 |title=Israel Recovers the Bodies of 3 Hostages in Gaza. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/15/world/middleeast/israel-hostages-gaza-soldiers-elia-toledano.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202024802/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/15/world/middleeast/israel-hostages-gaza-soldiers-elia-toledano.html |archive-date=2 February 2024 |access-date=20 January 2024 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> *{{flagicon|Israel}} Alon Shamriz *{{flagicon|Israel}} Yotam Haim *{{flagicon|Israel}} Samer Talalka |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|18 December 2023}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Hamas released a video of three elderly Israeli hostages on 18 December.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Michaelis |first1=Tamar |last2=Pokharel |first2=Sugam |last3=Lister |first3=Tim |last4=Said-Moorhouse |first4=Lauren |date=18 December 2023 |title=Israeli family members shocked to see elderly hostages appear in Hamas video |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/19/middleeast/slug-hamas-video-elderly-israeli-hostages-intl/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202024802/https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/19/middleeast/slug-hamas-video-elderly-israeli-hostages-intl/index.html |archive-date=2 February 2024 |access-date=20 January 2024 |work=CNN}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|19 December 2023}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Palestinian Islamic Jihad released a video of two Israeli hostages on 19 December.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 December 2023 |title=Islamic Jihad releases video of two Israeli hostages pleading for their release |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/islamic-jihad-releases-video-two-male-israeli-hostages-pleading-their-release-2023-12-19/ |access-date=20 January 2024 |work=Reuters}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top; border-top:2px solid #000 !important;" | {{dts|4 January 2024}} | style="border-top:2px solid #000 !important;" | Three Israelis that had been previously presumed as missing are announced as held hostage in Gaza. Israel believes 136 hostages are being held in the Gaza Strip.{{efn|Includes four hostages taken prior to the 7 October attacks}}<ref>{{cite news |date=4 January 2024 |title=January 4, 2024 Israel-Hamas war |url=https://edition.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-01-04-24/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119043022/https://edition.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-01-04-24/index.html |archive-date=19 January 2024 |access-date=19 January 2024 |work=CNN}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|15 January 2024}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Hamas releases a video showing three Israeli hostages. Hamas claims that two of the hostages were killed in Israeli airstrikes. Israel disputed the claim.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ott |first=Haley |date=15 January 2024 |title=Hamas uses Israeli hostage Noa Argamani in propaganda videos to claim 2 other captives killed by IDF strikes |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hamas-israel-war-hostage-video-noa-argamani-idf/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201211406/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hamas-israel-war-hostage-video-noa-argamani-idf/ |archive-date=1 February 2024 |access-date=20 January 2024 |work=CBS News}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|19 January 2024}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | The Al-Nasser Salah al-Deen Brigades released a video of an Israeli captive who it claimed was killed by an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Alsaafin |first1=Linah |last2=Adler |first2=Nils |last3=Osgood |first3=Brian |title='Depth of human suffering': Israel accused of summary executions in Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/1/20/israels-war-on-gaza-live-israel-denied-70-of-aid-to-north-gaza-says-un |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202015119/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/1/20/israels-war-on-gaza-live-israel-denied-70-of-aid-to-north-gaza-says-un |archive-date=2 February 2024 |access-date=20 January 2024 |website=Al Jazeera}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Israel's war on Gaza: List of key events, day 106 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/20/israels-war-on-gaza-list-of-key-events-day-106 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202024802/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/20/israels-war-on-gaza-list-of-key-events-day-106 |archive-date=2 February 2024 |access-date=20 January 2024 |website=Al Jazeera}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|6 February 2024}} |According to a confidential assessment conducted by Israeli intelligence officers, it was reported that there were more deceased hostages then previously known, with an additional 20 hostages reportedly deceased.<ref name="Berman 2024" /> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|12 February 2024}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | The IDF, Shin Bet and special police forces rescue two hostages, who were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, from a building in Rafah in southern Gaza, one soldier is reportedly injured and 37 Hamas militants are reportedly killed.<ref name="israelhayom 2024" /><ref name="Nidal Al-Mughrabi 2024" /> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|6 April 2024}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | The IDF announces it has recovered the body of deceased hostage Elad Katzir.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/04/06/1243234224/israel-hostage-elad-katzir-gaza |work=NPR |accessdate=16 February 2025 |first=Juliana |last=Kim|title=Israel says it has recovered the body of Israeli hostage Elad Katzir in Gaza |date=6 April 2024}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|10 April 2024}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Hamas tells mediators that it does not have 40 hostages that match the criteria for a ceasefire deal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 April 2024 |title=Hamas Says It Does Not Have 40 Hostages Who Meet Swap Terms With Israel: Reports |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hamas-40-hostages-exchange_n_6617b4e1e4b011e99abd25a8 |access-date=11 April 2024 |website=HuffPost |archive-date=11 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411142123/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hamas-40-hostages-exchange_n_6617b4e1e4b011e99abd25a8 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="cnn20240410">{{Cite web |last1=Marquardt |first1=Alex |last2=Marquardt |first2=Jeremy |date=10 April 2024 |title=Hamas tells negotiators it doesn't have 40 Israeli hostages needed for first round of ceasefire |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/10/middleeast/hamas-israel-hostages-ceasefire-talks-intl/index.html |access-date=11 April 2024 |website=CNN |archive-date=11 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411160305/https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/10/middleeast/hamas-israel-hostages-ceasefire-talks-intl/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|17 May 2024}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | The IDF reports that they have recovered the bodies of three of the hostages, including that of Shani Louk, who were reportedly kidnapped during the attack on the Nova festival. Per the IDF, all three were killed near the site of the attack and their bodies were taken into Gaza and later recovered in a Hamas tunnel.<ref name="bbc20240517">{{Cite web |last=Berg |first=Raffi |date=17 May 2024 |title=Bodies of three hostages recovered from Gaza, Israel's army says |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c97z867r2ypo |access-date=18 May 2024 |website=www.bbc.com}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|18 May 2024}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | It was announced by the IDF that they had also recovered the body of deceased hostage Ron Benjamin, and his body was recovered alongside those announced the day before. Benjamin was 53-years-old and abducted from the Be'eri kibbutz while riding his bike on the day of the attack.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-hostage-gaza-idf-ron-benjamin-b2547357.html | title=Ron Benjamin: Body of Israeli hostage kidnapped in October recovered from Gaza, says IDF | newspaper=The Independent | date=18 May 2024 | last1=Butler | first1=Alexander}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|24 May 2024}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | The IDF reports that they have recovered the bodies of three hostages from a tunnel in Jabalia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-recovers-bodies-of-hostages-orion-hernandez-radoux-hanan-yablonka-michel-nisenbaum-all-slain-on-oct-7/ |title=IDF recovers bodies of hostages Orión Hernández Radoux, Hanan Yablonka, Michel Nisenbaum, all slain on Oct. 7 |work=The Times of Israel |date=24 May 2024 |access-date=8 June 2024}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|28 May 2024}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Saraya Al-Quds released a video of an Israeli hostage.<ref name="AJA - Saraya hostage video">{{cite news |title="You will hear the truth from me." Al-Quds Brigades broadcast a message from an Israeli prisoner to demonstrators in Tel Aviv |url=https://aja.ws/5adbgn |access-date=20 June 2024 |work=Al Jazeera Arabic |date=28 May 2024}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|3 June 2024}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | The IDF reports the deaths of four hostages, possibly by IDF fire in Khan Yunis.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Kubovich |first1=Yaniv |last2=Aderet |first2=Ofer |last3=Hasson |first3=Nir |last4=Freidson |first4=Yael |date=3 June 2024 |title=Israeli army: Four hostages taken alive to Gaza were killed, possibly by IDF fire |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-06-03/ty-article/israeli-army-four-hostages-taken-alive-to-gaza-were-killed-possibly-by-idf-fire/0000018f-dede-db27-ab9f-dfff16f70000 |access-date=5 June 2024 |work=Haaretz}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|8 June 2024}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Four hostages are successfully rescued by the IDF in an operation in Nuseirat in central Gaza. The four hostages were taken during the Nova music festival massacre. One Israeli officer and dozens of Palestinians are killed in the rescue operation.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Boxerman |first1=Aaron |last2=Abdulrahim |first2=Raja |last3=Lohr |first3=Steve |title=Israel Rescues 4 Hostages in Assault That Killed Scores of Gazans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/08/world/middleeast/israel-hostages-nuseirat-gaza.html |work=The New York Times |date=8 June 2024 |access-date=8 June 2024}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|22 July 2024}} | style="vertical-align: top;" |The IDF confirmed the death of Polish-Israeli historian and educator Alex Dancyg, and of Yagev Buchshtav – both abducted from their homes in Kibbutz Nir Oz and Kibbutz Nirim during the 7 October (2023) massacres. Buchshstav's wife – Rimon – was kidnapped along with her husband, but she was released in November 2023 in a hostage deal with Hamas.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Fabian |first1=Emanuel |others=TOI (Times of Israel) Staff |date=22 July 2024 |title=IDF announces deaths of hostages Alex Dancyg and Yagev Buchshtav in Hamas captivity |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-announces-deaths-of-hostages-alex-dancyg-and-yagev-buchshtav-in-hamas-captivity/ |access-date=27 July 2024 |work=The Times of Israel}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | {{dts|24 July 2024}} | style="vertical-align: top;" | Five bodies of hostages are recovered by the IDF in a tunnel in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/bodies-of-5-hostages-were-found-in-tunnel-in-gazas-israeli-designated-humanitarian-zone/ |title=Bodies of 5 hostages were found in tunnel in Gaza's Israeli-designated humanitarian zone |work=The Times of Israel |date=25 July 2024 |access-date=25 July 2024}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 19–20 August 2024 | style="vertical-align: top;" | Six bodies of hostages are recovered by Israeli forces in a Khan Younis tunnel. The bodies had gunshot wounds, likely indicating they were killed by their captors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/autopsies-find-bullet-wounds-in-bodies-of-all-6-hostages-recovered-from-gaza-in-raid/ |title=Bullet wounds in bodies of all 6 hostages from Gaza suggest they were killed by captors |work=The Times of Israel |date=22 August 2024}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 27 August 2024 | style="vertical-align: top;" | A Negev Bedouin hostage, Farhan Al-Qadi, is rescued by Israeli forces operating in a tunnel in Rafah. Al-Qadi had been left alone and unguarded in a tunnel, and IDF forces did not encounter any resistance from Hamas when they rescued him.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Hassan |first1=Jennifer |last2=Soroka |first2=Lior |last3=Morris |first3=Loveday |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/08/27/hamas-hostage-rescued-kaid-farhan-al-qadi/ |title=Hostage rescued from Gaza found alone in tunnel, Israeli military says |newspaper=The Washington Post |date= 27 August 2024 |access-date=1 September 2024}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 28 August 2024 | style="vertical-align: top;" | The remains of an IDF soldier who was killed and abducted on 7 October were recovered from the southern Gaza Strip.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-recovers-body-of-soldier-killed-oct-7-whose-remains-were-kidnapped-to-gaza/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=28 August 2024 |accessdate=10 December 2024 |title=IDF recovers body of soldier killed on Oct. 7 whose remains were kidnapped to Gaza}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 31 August 2024 | style="vertical-align: top;" | Six bodies of hostages, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, are recovered by the IDF in a tunnel in Rafah. According to an autopsy report performed by the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, the hostages were {{ill|Hamas execution of six hostages|lt=executed by Hamas from "close range" 2–3 days earlier|he|רצח ששת החטופים הישראלים ברצועת עזה}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/bodies-of-6-hostages-murdered-by-hamas-just-days-earlier-found-in-rafah-idf/ |title=Bodies of 6 hostages, murdered by Hamas just days ago, found in Rafah – IDF |work=The Times of Israel |date=1 September 2024 |access-date=1 September 2024}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 4 December 2024 | style="vertical-align: top;" | The remains of Itai Svirsky, taken hostage from kibbutz Be'eri on 7 October 2023, was recovered by the IDF.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bob |first=Yonah Jeremy |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-832004 |title=Body of hostage Itai Svirsky, killed in Hamas captivity, recovered by IDF in Gaza |work=Jerusalem Post |date=4 December 2024}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top; border-top:2px solid #000 !important;" | 8 January 2025 | style="vertical-align: top; border-top:2px solid #000" | The remains of Yousef and Hamza Zayadni, taken hostage from kibbutz Holit on 7 October 2023, were recovered by the IDF.<ref name=zaydani>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/israeli-hostages-found-1.7425861 |accessdate=8 January 2025 |date=8 January 2025 |work=CBC |title=Israeli hostage found dead in Gaza, military says, and a second body is being investigated}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 19 January 2025 | style="vertical-align: top;" | Hours prior to a ceasefire, the IDF announces it had retrieved the remains of Oron Shaul, killed and captured by Hamas in 2014, in a clandestine operation with the Shin Bet over the weekend.<ref>{{Cite web |first= Emanuel |last=Fabian|title=Body of Oron Shaul, killed and captured by Hamas in 2014, recovered from Gaza|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/soldier-oron-shaul-whose-body-was-recovered-from-gaza-laid-to-rest-in-israel/#:~:text=4-,IDF%20Staff%20Sgt.,clandestine%20operation%20over%20the%20weekend.|access-date=21 January 2025 |date=20 January 2025 |website=The Times of Israel}}</ref> Israel and Hamas agree to a three stage ceasefire. Three female hostages are released by Hamas:<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 January 2025 |title=Israel-Hamas: Palestinian prisoners freed hours after three hostages in Gaza released |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/israel-hamas-live-updates-rcna188301 |access-date=20 January 2025 |website=NBC News}}</ref> *{{flagicon|Israel}} Romi Gonen *{{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} Emily Damari *{{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Romania}} Doron Steinbrecher |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 25 January 2025 | style="vertical-align: top;" | Four Israeli women serving in the IDF are released by Hamas into the custody of the Red Cross and returned to Israel:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Live updates: Four female Israeli hostages held in Gaza handed over to Red Cross |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cvge622emndt |access-date=25 January 2025 |website=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 January 2025 |title=Hamas hands over 4 female Israeli soldiers to Red Cross as part of Gaza ceasefire |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-ceasefire-hostages-01-25-2025-150674e17bd8b22f2c2c3aa4991cf061 |access-date=25 January 2025 |website=AP News}}</ref>

* {{flagicon|Israel}} Karina Ariev * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Bulgaria}} Daniella Gilboa * {{flagicon|Israel}} Naama Levy * {{flagicon|Israel}} Liri Albag |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 30 January 2025 | style="vertical-align: top;" | Three Israeli (one civilian man, one civilian woman and one IDF female soldier) and five Thai hostages are released by Hamas:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg5ydgeqrvqo |work=BBC |date=30 January 2025 |accessdate=30 January 2025 |title=Who are the Israeli and Thai hostages just released by Hamas?}}</ref>

* {{flagicon|Israel}} Agam Berger * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Germany}} Arbel Yehud * {{flagicon|Israel}} Gadi Moses * {{flagicon|Thailand}} Pongsak Thaenna * {{flagicon|Thailand}} Sathian Suwannakham * {{flagicon|Thailand}} Watchara Sriaoun * {{flagicon|Thailand}} Bannawat Saethao * {{flagicon|Thailand}} Surasak Lamnao |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 1 February 2025 | style="vertical-align: top;" | Three Israeli men are released by Hamas:<ref>{{cite news |last= Bachner |first= Michael |date= 1 February 2025 |title= Freed hostages Yarden Bibas, Ofer Calderon, Keith Siegel reunite with relatives in Israel|url= https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-february-01-2025/?utm_source=article_hpsidebar&utm_medium=desktop_site&utm_campaign=liveblog_entry|work= The Times of Israel |access-date=14 July 2025 |issn=0040-7909}}</ref>

* {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|United States}} Keith Siegel * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|France}} {{flagicon|Portugal}} Ofer Calderon * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Argentina}} Yarden Bibas |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 8 February 2025 | style="vertical-align: top;" | Three Israeli men are released by Hamas:<ref>{{cite news |last= Fabian |first= Emanuel |date= 8 February 2025|title= Gaunt and frail, hostages Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami freed after 16 months|url= https://www.timesofisrael.com/gaunt-and-frail-hostages-eli-sharabi-or-levy-and-ohad-ben-ami-freed-after-16-months/|work= The Times of Israel |access-date=14 July 2025 |issn=0040-7909}}</ref>

* {{flagicon|Israel}} Eli Sharabi * {{flagicon|Israel}} Or Levy * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Germany}} Ohad Ben Ami |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 15 February 2025 | style="vertical-align: top;" | Three Israeli men are released by Hamas:<ref>{{cite news |last= Fabian |first= Emanuel |date= 15 February 2025|title= Freed hostages Dekel-Chen, Troufanov and Horn back in Israel after 498 days in captivity |url= https://www.timesofisrael.com/released-hostages-dekel-chen-troufanov-and-horn-in-israel-after-498-days-in-captivity/|work= The Times of Israel |access-date=14 July 2025 |issn=0040-7909}} </ref> * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Russia}} Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|United States}} Sagui Dekel-Chen * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Argentina}} Iair Horn |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 20 February 2025 | style="vertical-align: top;" | Hamas returns bodies of three dead Israeli hostages, including two children, along with the body of an unidentified woman incorrectly presented as {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Argentina}} {{flagicon|Germany}} Shiri Bibas:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/hamas-releases-bodies-of-4-israeli-hostages-including-youngest/7981768.html |work=Voice of America |accessdate=25 February 2025 |date=20 February 2025 |title=Hamas releases bodies of 3 hostages, unidentified fourth}}</ref> * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Poland}} Oded Lifshitz * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Argentina}} {{flagicon|Germany}} Ariel Bibas * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Argentina}} {{flagicon|Germany}} Kfir Bibas |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 21 February 2025 | style="vertical-align: top;" | Hamas returns body of {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Argentina}} {{flagicon|Germany}} Shiri Bibas.<ref name="shirireturned">{{cite web |last=Lukiv |first=Jaroslav |date=21 February 2025 |title=Israel confirms Shiri Bibas body has been returned |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjw20d3l4jpo |accessdate=25 February 2025 |work=BBC News}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 22 February 2025 | style="vertical-align: top;" | Six Israeli men are released by Hamas, including two who had been kidnapped before the 7 October 2023 attack and held hostage for a decade:<ref>{{cite magazine|title= Hamas Frees All Six Hostages in Latest Cease-Fire Exchange With Israel |url=https://time.com/7260630/hamas-frees-israeli-hostages-cease-fire-exchange-palestinian-prisoners/|magazine=Time|date=22 February 2025}}</ref> * {{flagicon|Israel}} Eliya Cohen * {{flagicon|Israel}} Omer Shem Tov * {{flagicon|Israel}} Omer Wenkert * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Austria}} {{flagicon|Italy}} Tal Shoham * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Ethiopia}} Avera Mengistu * {{flagicon|Israel}} Hisham al-Sayed |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 26 February 2025 | style="vertical-align: top;" | The bodies of four dead Israeli hostages are returned by Hamas:<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gritten |first1=David |last2=Wright |first2=George |date=27 February 2025 |title=Israel confirms Hamas handed over hostages' bodies as Palestinian prisoners released |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gdx1rpel6o |accessdate=27 February 2025 |work=BBC}}</ref> * {{flagicon|Israel}} Shlomo Mansour * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|France}} Ohad Yahalomi * {{flagicon|Israel}} Tsachi Idan * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Denmark}} Itzik Elgarat<ref>{{cite web | title=Itzik Elgarat | website=coming home soon | date=1 January 1970 | url=https://www.cominghomesoon.online/de/people/itzik_elgarat | language=de | access-date=11 October 2025}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 12 May 2025 | style="vertical-align: top;" |{{flagicon|Israel}}{{flagicon|United States}} Israeli-American hostage and IDF soldier Edan Alexander is handed over to the Red Cross as a gesture of goodwill prior to US President Donald Trump's visit to the Arabian Peninsula and to facilitate the entrance of humanitarian aid into Gaza.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander handed to Red Cross in Gaza |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c30qlp9qyq1t |access-date=12 May 2025 |website=BBC News}}</ref> A week later, the Israeli government resumes humanitarian aid into Gaza with reports saying that the aid is in exchange for Alexander's release.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/05/19/despite-israeli-claims-aid-renewal-to-gaza-part-of-edan-alexanders-release/|title=Despite Israeli claims, aid renewal to Gaza part of Edan Alexander's release|first=Danny |last=Zaken|date=19 May 2025|publisher=Israel Hayom}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 5 June 2025 | style="vertical-align: top;" |The IDF recovers the bodies of two dead hostages:<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-recovers-bodies-of-slain-hostages-gadi-haggai-judih-weinstein-in-gaza-operation/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=5 June 2025 |accessdate=6 June 2025 |title=IDF recovers bodies of slain hostages Gadi Haggai, Judih Weinstein in Gaza operation |issn=0040-7909}}</ref> * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|United States}} Gadi Haggai * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|United States}} {{flagicon|Canada}} Judi Weinstein |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 6 June 2025 | style="vertical-align: top;" |The IDF recovers the body of {{flagicon|Thailand}} Thai hostage Nattapong Pinta. The announcement came the following day. In the announcement, Israel stated that it believes Nattapong was kidnapped alive and killed in captivity.<ref>{{Cite news |work=The Times of Israel |accessdate=7 June 2025 |date=7 June 2025 |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-believes-thai-hostage-pinta-nattapong-was-abducted-alive-murdered-in-captivity/ |title=IDF believes Thai hostage Pinta Nattapong was abducted alive, murdered in captivity |issn=0040-7909}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 11 June 2025 | style="vertical-align: top;" |The IDF recovers the bodies of two hostages who were killed on 7 October 2023:<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/bodies-of-yair-yaakov-second-slain-hostage-recovered-by-idf-from-khan-younis/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=11 June 2025 |access-date=12 June 2025 |title=Bodies of Yair Yaakov, second slain hostage recovered by IDF from Khan Younis |last= Fabian |first=Emanuel |issn=0040-7909}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/body-of-aviv-atzili-killed-on-oct-7-recovered-from-gaza-last-week-idf-says/ |work=The Times of Israel |accessdate=16 June 2025 |date=15 June 2025 |title=Body of Aviv Atzili, killed on Oct. 7, recovered from Gaza last week, IDF says |first1=Emanuel |last1=Fabian |first2=Lazar |last2=Berman |issn=0040-7909}}</ref> * {{flagicon|Israel}} Aviv Atzili * {{flagicon|Israel}} Yair Yaakov |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 21 June 2025 | style="vertical-align: top;"|The IDF recovers the bodies of three hostages who were killed on 7 October 2023, including one IDF soldier:<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-announces-bodies-of-three-slain-hostages-ofra-keidar-jonathan-samerano-and-shay-levinson-recovered-from-gaza/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=22 June 2025 |accessdate=22 June 2025 |title=IDF announces bodies of three slain hostages, Ofra Keidar, Jonathan Samerano, and Shay Levinson, recovered from Gaza |last= Fabian|first=Emanuel |issn=0040-7909}}</ref> * {{flagicon|Israel}} Ofra Keidar * {{flagicon|Israel}} Staff Sgt. Shay Levinson * {{flagicon|Israel}} Jonathan Samerano |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 29 August 2025 | style="vertical-align: top;"|The IDF recovers the bodies of two hostages who were killed on 7 October 2023:<ref>{{cite web |url= https://abcnews.go.com/International/idf-recovered-bodies-2-hostages/story?id=125088966|work= ABC News|date=29 August 2025 |accessdate=29 August 2025 |title= Israeli officials say they have recovered bodies of 2 hostages| last= Jon |first= Haworth}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/body-of-slain-hostage-idan-shtivi-identified-days-after-recovery-from-gaza/ |work=The Times of Israel| first= Lazar |last=Berman |date=31 August 2025 |accessdate=31 August 2025 |title=Body of slain hostage Idan Shtivi identified days after recovery from Gaza}}</ref> * {{flagicon|Israel}} Idan Shtivi * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Hungary}} Ilan Weiss |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 8 October 2025 |Israel and Hamas agree on the first stage of the Gaza war peace plan, under which all hostages will be released - first the living, then the dead.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Deva |last2=Nicholls |first2=Catherine |last3=Salem |first3=Mostafa |last4=Sangal |first4=Aditi |date=8 October 2025 |title=Live updates: Trump says Israel and Hamas have signed off on 'first phase' of Gaza peace plan |url=https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-hamas-gaza-war-10-08-25 |access-date=8 October 2025 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 13 October 2025 | 20 Israeli men, including two IDF soldiers,{{efn|Rom Braslavski and Bar Kupershtein were also IDF soldiers, but were on leave when taken captive.<ref>{{cite web |accessdate=13 October 2025 |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250503-hamas-armed-wing-releases-video-of-apparently-injured-israeli-hostage |date=3 May 2025 |title=Hamas armed wing releases video of apparently injured Israeli hostage |work=France 24}}</ref>}} are released by Hamas into the custody of the Red Cross and returned to Israel:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-10-13/ty-article-magazine/these-are-the-seven-israeli-hostages-released-by-hamas-from-gaza-in-the-first-round/00000199-dbe2-d7e9-adfd-dbe7c4660000 |date=13 October 2025 |accessdate=13 October 2025 |work=Haaretz |title=After 738 Days: These Are the 20 Israeli Hostages Released by Hamas From Gaza on Monday}}</ref> * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Bulgaria}} Matan Angrest * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Germany}} Gali Berman * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Germany}} Ziv Berman * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Colombia}} Elkana Bohbot * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Germany}} Rom Braslavski * {{flagicon|Israel}} Nimrod Cohen * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Argentina}} Ariel Cunio * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Argentina}} David Cunio * {{flagicon|Israel}} Evyatar David * {{flagicon|Israel}} Guy Gilboa-Dalal * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Russia}}{{efn|Herkin gained Russian citizenship during his captivity through the effort of his mother, who hoped it would help secure his release.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 October 2025 |title=Maxim Herkin and 12 Hostages Freed from Hamas Captivity |url=https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/maxim-herkin-and-12-hostages-freed-from-hamas-captivity/ |access-date=20 November 2025 |website=mezha.net |language=en}}</ref>}} {{flagicon|Ukraine}} Maxim Herkin * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Argentina}} Eitan Horn * {{flagicon|Israel}} Segev Kalfon * {{flagicon|Israel}} Bar Kupershtein * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Hungary}} Omri Miran * {{flagicon|Israel}} Eitan Mor * {{flagicon|Israel}} Yosef Chaim Ohana * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Germany}} {{flagicon|Serbia}} Alon Ohel * {{flagicon|Israel}} Avinatan Or * {{flagicon|Israel}} Matan Zangauker The bodies of four dead Israeli hostages, including one IDF soldier, are also returned by Hamas:<ref name=fourreturned/> * {{flagicon|Israel}} Guy Illouz * {{flagicon|Israel}} Yossi Sharabi * {{flagicon|Nepal}} Bipin Joshi * {{flagicon|Israel}} {{flagicon|South Africa}} Cpt. Daniel Perez |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 14 October 2025 | The bodies of three dead Israeli hostages, including one IDF soldier, are returned by Hamas into the custody of the Red Cross and returned to Israel, along with a fourth body belonging to a Palestinian from the West Bank: * {{Flag icon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Germany}} Staff Sgt. Tamir Nimrodi * {{Flag icon|Israel}} Uriel Baruch * {{Flag icon|Israel}} Eitan Levy Hamas claims the fourth body belongs to an Israeli soldier allegedly killed and abducted in May 2024, but the IDF denies the claim.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Fabian |first1=Emanuel |last2=Berman |first2=Lazar |others=ToI Staff |date=15 October 2025 |title=Hamas returns bodies of hostages Tamir Nimrodi, Uriel Baruch, Eitan Levy; 4th body a Gazan |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-returns-bodies-of-hostages-tamir-nimrodi-uriel-baruch-eitan-levy-4th-body-a-gazan/ |access-date=15 October 2025 |work=The Times of Israel |language=en-US |issn=0040-7909}}</ref> The Israeli broadcaster Kan reports that it belongs to a detained Palestinian prisoner whom the IDF used as a human shield.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/4th-body-handed-over-by-hamas-said-to-be-west-bank-palestinian-used-by-idf-in-gaza-as-a-human-shield/ |work=Times of Israel |date=15 October 2025 |accessdate=15 October 2025 |title=4th body handed over by Hamas said to be West Bank Palestinian used by IDF in Gaza as a human shield }}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 15 October 2025 |The bodies of two dead Israeli hostages, including one IDF soldier, are returned by Hamas into the custody of the Red Cross and returned to Israel:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-receives-two-bodies-from-red-cross-hamas-claims-to-have-returned-all-dead-hostages-it-could-find/ |accessdate=16 October 2025 |date=16 October 2025 |work=Times of Israel |title=Israel receives bodies of hostages Inbar Haiman, Muhammad el-Atrash from Hamas }}</ref> * {{Flag icon|Israel}} Sgt. Maj. Muhammad Al-Atrash * {{Flag icon|Israel}} Inbar Haiman |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 17 October 2025 |Hamas returns the body of {{Flag icon|Israel}} Eliyahu "Churchill" Margalit.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-october-18-2025/|title=Returned body identified as Eliyahu 'Churchill' Margalit, 75, from Nir Oz|date=18 October 2025|website=The Times of Israel}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 18 October 2025 |Hamas returns two bodies to Israel:<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hj0dkuwrll|title=Hamas hands over bodies of two more hostages to Red Cross|date=18 October 2025|website=Ynet}}</ref> * {{Flag icon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Argentina}} Ronen Engel<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/ronen-engel-identified-as-one-of-the-dead-hostages-returned-by-hamas/ |work=Times of Israel |accessdate=19 October 2025 |date=19 October 2025 |title=Ronen Engel identified as one of the bodies returned overnight by Hamas }}</ref> * {{Flag icon|Thailand}} Sonthaya Oakkharasri<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=19 October 2025 |title=Remains of 2nd slain hostage returned by Hamas identified as Thailand's Sonthaya Oakkharasr |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/remains-of-2nd-slain-hostage-returned-by-hamas-identified-as-thailands-sonthaya-oakkharasr/ |access-date=19 October 2025 |work=The Times of Israel |language=en-US |issn=0040-7909}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 20 October 2025 |Hamas returns the body of {{Flag icon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Romania}} Tal Haimi.<ref>{{cite web |work=Times of Israel |accessdate=21 October 2025 |date=20 October 2025 |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-hands-over-casket-with-apparent-remains-of-hostage-after-gaza-truce-tested/ |first=Emanuel |last=Fabian|title=Hamas hands over body of hostage Tal Haimi, slain defending his kibbutz on Oct. 7 }}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 21 October 2025 |Hamas returns two bodies to Israel:<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Yohanan |first1=Nurit |last2=Fabian |first2=Emanuel |date=21 October 2025 |title=Bodies of slain hostages Tamir Adar and Arie Zalmanowicz brought back to Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-says-it-will-hand-over-bodies-of-two-more-deceased-hostages-tuesday-night/ |access-date=22 October 2025 |work=The Times of Israel |language=en-US |issn=0040-7909}}</ref> * {{Flag icon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Germany}} Tamir Adar * {{Flag icon|Israel}} Arie "Zalman" Zalmanowicz |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 27 October 2025 |Hamas returns body parts of {{Flag icon|Israel}} {{flagicon|France}} Ofir Tzarfati, whose partial remains were recovered by the IDF in November 2023, incorrectly presented as the remains of a current hostage.<ref>Emanuel Fabian, Lazar Berman and Sam Sokol, [https://www.timesofisrael.com/casket-returned-by-hamas-had-remains-of-hostage-whose-body-idf-recovered-in-2023-israel-says/?utm_source=article_hpsidebar&utm_medium=desktop_site&utm_campaign=troops-recover-body-of-ofir-tzarfati-in-gaza-returning-him-to-israel-for-burial Casket returned by Hamas had remains of hostage whose body IDF recovered in 2023, Israel says], ''The Times of Israel'', 28 October 2025. Accessed 28 October 2025.</ref><ref name="Tzarfati"/> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 30 October 2025 |Hamas returns two bodies to Israel:<ref>{{Cite news |first=Emanuel |last=Fabian|date=30 October 2025 |title=Remains of deceased hostages Amiram Cooper 84, and Sahar Baruch, 25, returned to Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/remains-of-deceased-hostages-amiram-cooper-84-and-sahar-baruch-25-returned-to-israel/ |access-date=31 October 2025 |work=The Times of Israel |language=en-U}}</ref> * {{Flag icon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Bulgaria}} Sahar Baruch * {{Flag icon|Israel}} {{flagicon|Poland}} Amiram Cooper |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 31 October 2025 |Hamas hands over the remains of three unidentified individuals, none of whom are hostages.<ref>[https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2025/1101/1541593-israel-gaza/ "Israel army says Gaza bodies received not hostages"], RTÉ, 1 November 2025. Retrieved 1 November 2025.</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 2 November 2025 |Hamas returns the bodies of three IDF soldiers to Israel:<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 November 2025 |title=IDF announces two other hostage bodies identified as Col. Asaf Hamami and Sgt. Oz Daniel |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-11-03/ty-article-live/trump-one-of-three-bodies-released-is-american-israeli-idf-soldier-omer-neutra/0000019a-47ca-dd4d-a9bb-77ef38dc0000#837565051 |access-date=3 November 2025 |language=en-U}}</ref> * {{Flag icon|Israel}} Sgt. Oz Daniel * {{Flag icon|Israel}} Col. Asaf Hamami * {{Flag icon|Israel}} {{flagicon|United States}} Capt. Omer Maxim Neutra |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 4 November 2025 |Hamas returns the body of IDF soldier {{Flag icon|Israel}} {{flagicon|United States}} {{flagicon|Germany}} Staff Sgt. Itay Chen to Israel.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=4 November 2025 |title=Remains of slain IDF soldier Itay Chen returned from Gaza to Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-brings-casket-with-apparent-body-of-hostage-from-gaza-to-israel/ |access-date=4 November 2025 |work=The Times of Israel |language=en-US |issn=0040-7909}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 5 November 2025 |Hamas returns the body of {{flagicon|Tanzania}} Joshua Luito Mollel.<ref>{{cite web | last=Shaiovich | first=Niv | title=Remains returned from Gaza identified as slain foreign hostage Joshua Luito Mollel | website=ynetglobal | date=6 November 2025 | url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/0eilfr8lg | access-date=6 November 2025}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 7 November 2025 |Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas return the body of {{Flag icon|Israel}} {{Flag icon|Argentina}} Lior Rudaeff to Israel.<ref>Leo Feierberg Better, [https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-873130 "Lior Rudaeff, the grandfather who died protecting his community, finally returned home"], ''The Jerusalem Post'', 8 November 2025. Retrieved 8 November 2025.</ref><ref>[https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/world/joy-as-last-remaining-israel-argentine-hostages-released-by-hamas.phtml "Joy as last remaining Israel-Argentine hostages released by Hamas"], ''Buenos Aires Times'', 16 October 2025. Retrieved 10 November 2025.</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 9 November 2025 |Hamas returns the body of IDF soldier {{Flag icon|Israel}} Lt. Hadar Goldin, who was killed and captured in 2014, to Israel.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 November 2025 |title=Deceased hostage Lt. Hadar Goldin identified at forensic institute, PMO confirms |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-873216 |access-date=9 November 2025 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en|first=James|last=Genn}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 13 November 2025 |Hamas and the PIJ return the body of {{Flag icon|Israel}} Meny Godard to Israel.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 November 2025 |title=Kibbutz Be'eri eulogizes murdered hostage Meny Godard |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-873761 |access-date=13 November 2025 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 25 November 2025 |Hamas and the PIJ return the body of {{Flag icon|Israel}} Dror Or to Israel.<ref name= "ToI26112025">{{Cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/body-of-hostage-returned-from-gaza-last-night-identified-is-dror-or/ |title=Body of hostage returned from Gaza last night identified as Dror Or |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |website=Times of Israel |language=en |date=26 November 2025 |access-date=26 November 2025}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top;" | 3 December 2025 |Hamas and the PIJ return the body of {{Flag icon|Thailand}} Sudthisak Rinthalak to Israel.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 December 2025 |title=Body returned from Gaza on Wednesday identified as that of Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/body-returned-from-gaza-on-wednesday-identified-as-that-of-thai-national-sudthisak-rinthalak/ |access-date=4 December 2025 |work=The Times of Israel |language=en-US |issn=0040-7909}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="vertical-align: top; border-top:2px solid #000 !important;" | 26 January 2026 | style="vertical-align: top; border-top:2px solid #000" | The IDF recovers the body of {{Flag icon|Israel}} Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage left in Gaza.<ref name="APNews260126"/> |}

== See also == {{div col}} * Outline of the Gaza war * ''The Children of 7 October'' * Mass detentions in the Gaza war{{snd}}Includes Palestinian prisoners exchanged for hostages * Entebbe raid{{snd}}1976 IDF operation freeing Israeli hostages in Uganda * Wadie Haddad{{snd}}Palestinian militant who organized several hostage-takings in 1960s–70s * {{annotated link|Israeli MIAs}} {{end div col}}

== Notes == {{notelist|

{{efn|name=Aseer| The release of key allied leaders has been a repeated demand from Hamas during hostage negotiations. They have repeatedly requested the release of 3 key prisoners: Marwan Barghouti from Fatah, Ahmad Saadat (Secretary-General of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, abbreviated PFLP), and Abdullah Barghouti from their own Qassam Brigades.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/hamas-demands-release-of-3-top-palestinian-leaders-in-any-hostage-deal-with-israel-report/3088889 | title=Hamas demands release of 3 top Palestinian leaders in any hostage deal with Israel: Report |last= Arnaout|first=Abdelraouf |date=21 December 2023 |work=Anadolu Agency |access-date=14 July 2025}}</ref> Hamas have been attempting to free Ahmad Saadat since 2006, when Hamas won the election – making Ismail Haniyeh Prime Minister of Palestine – and Saadat won a seat in the Palestinian Legislative Council as the lead candidates on the PFLP party list. Israel's first response to this plan was to kidnap Saadat from Palestinian Authority's Jericho prison in Operation Bringing Home the Goods.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://samidoun.net/2018/12/ahmad-saadat-palestine-will-be-freed-by-the-people-not-the-elites/ | title=Ahmad Sa'adat: Palestine will be freed by the people, not the elites | date=11 December 2018 |website=samidoun.net}}</ref>}}

}}

== References == {{Reflist}}

== Further reading == * {{Cite web |last=Harkov |first=Lahav |date=4 December 2023 |title=Hostages young and old endured physical and psychological torture |url=https://jewishinsider.com/2023/12/hostages-hamas-gaza-testimonies-israel-captivity-tunnels/ |access-date=5 December 2023 |website=Jewish Insider}}

== External links == {{commons}} {{wikiquote}} *{{URL|https://bringthemhomenow.net/|Hostages and Missing Families Forum}} *{{URL|https://forum-tikva.org.il/en/eng/|Tikva Forum}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gaza war hostage crisis}} Category:Anti-Israeli sentiment in Palestine Category:Gaza war hostage crisis Category:Kidnappings in Israel Category:Kidnapped children Category:Israeli people taken hostage Category:October 2023 in Israel Category:Mass kidnappings in the 2020s Category:Missing person cases in Israel Category:Hostage taking in Israel Category:October 7 attacks Category:Gaza war Category:History of Hamas