More than 16 months after they were seized by militants during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, the fate of 24 hostages still held in Gaza remains uncertain. As negotiations continue for a potential second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, the prospect of their release—and an end to the devastating war—remains a critical point of discussion.
The ceasefire agreement, which took effect on January 19, is set to expire on Saturday. So far, it has led to the release of 25 Israeli and dual-national hostages, along with eight bodies repatriated to Israel, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, five Thai nationals were released outside the framework of the truce.
As the deadline approaches, concerns over the remaining hostages intensify. The Israeli government estimates that 24 out of the 58 individuals still held in Gaza are alive. However, proof of life has been scarce, and families anxiously await news of their loved ones.
For months, the status of many hostages remained unknown. However, occasional glimpses have emerged through Hamas-released videos and testimonies from freed captives.
On Saturday, Hamas published a video showing two hostages—Evyatar David, 24, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 23—watching the handover of other captives set for release. This rare proof of life provided some relief to their families, though it also underscored the ongoing plight of those still in captivity.
In previous weeks, footage of Edan Alexander, 21, and Matan Zangauker, 25, surfaced between late November and early December. These videos, while distressing, confirmed that at least some hostages remained alive.
Additionally, Israeli authorities have gathered testimonies from freed hostages who claim to have seen more than a dozen others in captivity. However, given the unpredictable conditions in Gaza, these reports remain difficult to verify.
Who Are the Remaining Hostages?
Israeli authorities have identified 24 individuals presumed alive, all of whom are men. Most are under the age of 30, and their fates remain precarious.
Among them are 22 Israeli nationals, ten of whom hold dual citizenship, as well as two foreign nationals:
- Bipin Joshi, 24, a Nepali student
- Natthapong Pinta, 35, a Thai farm worker
The youngest hostages are Tamir Nimrodi and Nimrod Cohen, both 20-year-old Israeli soldiers. Meanwhile, Omri Miran, 47, who holds Israeli-Hungarian nationality, is the oldest among those still believed to be alive.
A significant portion of the hostages—11 out of the 24—were abducted from the Nova music festival, where Hamas militants carried out a brutal attack on October 7, 2023. The attack marked the beginning of the war, which has since claimed thousands of lives on both sides.
Not all captives have survived their ordeal. Israeli authorities report that at least 41 individuals were already dead when taken into Gaza, including 11 of the 25 Israeli soldiers seized during the attack.
Moreover, Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad are still believed to be holding the bodies of 34 hostages, including those who were killed in the initial assault and others who died in captivity.
Among those who perished was Sahar Baruch, 25, who was killed in late 2023 during an Israeli military rescue attempt. His body remains in Gaza, further complicating negotiations for its return.
While the ceasefire has facilitated the repatriation of some remains, uncertainty persists over how many more bodies may still be in militant custody.
Since the beginning of the war, 145 hostages have been freed alive, while 48 bodies have been returned to Israel. These releases have primarily taken place during two ceasefires:
- November 2023: The first truce led to the release of mostly women, children, and foreign nationals.
- January 2025: The current ceasefire has seen the release of the remaining female hostages, as well as elderly and ailing captives.
Additionally, eight hostages have been rescued in Israeli military operations. However, such operations remain high-risk, often leading to casualties on both sides.
Will the Ceasefire Be Extended?
With the truce set to expire on Saturday, uncertainty looms over whether a new agreement will be reached to extend the ceasefire and facilitate further hostage releases.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas—mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States—are ongoing. A second-phase deal could not only ensure the release of the remaining hostages but also mark a turning point toward ending the war.
However, significant challenges remain. Israel insists that Hamas must release all remaining hostages, while Hamas demands further concessions, including the release of additional Palestinian prisoners and a long-term ceasefire.
For the families of those still in captivity, time is running out. Many fear that if an agreement is not reached, their loved ones could face further suffering—or worse.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the fate of the remaining 24 hostages hangs in the balance, leaving an entire nation waiting and hoping for their safe return.
The hostage crisis remains one of the most painful aspects of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. While progress has been made in securing the release of many captives, 24 individuals remain in Gaza, their fates uncertain.
As the ceasefire deadline approaches, pressure mounts on all sides to reach a deal that could finally bring them home. Whether diplomacy prevails or the war escalates once again, the coming days will be crucial in determining the outcome of one of the most harrowing chapters of this conflict.
