Overview: A Possible Break in the Gaza Hostage Crisis
After more than 700 days in captivity, a group of 20 hostages who are widely believed to still be alive in Gaza are expected to be freed in the coming days. The releases follow the Israeli government’s ratification of a ceasefire deal with Hamas. The hostages were among the 251 people abducted during the 7 October attacks on southern Israel, which left about 1,200 people dead. Hamas is anticipated to release the living captives within 72 hours, while Israel is expected to free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in return.
Who are the 20 hostages believed alive?
Below are the individuals commonly cited by sources as the hostages considered alive and expected to be released, along with their ages at the time of abduction or reported ages. Note that families and officials have periodically provided updates, and information can evolve with negotiations.
Matan Angrest, 22
Angrest’s family released a video in June that appeared to show the Israeli army soldier being pulled from a tank at the Nahal Oz base on 7 October. His mother has publicly urged authorities to keep hope alive.
Gali Berman and Ziv Berman, 28
Twin brothers abducted at Kfar Aza kibbutz, close to the Gaza border. Their brother described the lasting impact of the abduction and the enduring wish for their return.
Elkana Bohbot, 36
Taken at the Nova music festival. Bohbot had stayed behind to help wounded during the attacks. A video in May showed him in distress, highlighting the peril many hostages faced.
Rom Braslavski, 21
Also abducted at the Nova festival while working as a security guard. His family later said he had helped protect others before being captured; a distressing video circulated in April.
Nimrod Cohen, 20
A corporal guarding near Nirim kibbutz when his unit was overrun. His father expressed cautious optimism as ceasefire discussions progressed.
Ariel Cunio, 28, and David Cunio, 35
Two brothers taken from Nir Oz kibbutz. Ariel was abducted with his girlfriend; David with his wife. Their father described a long period of uncertainty for the family as they held on to hope for their return.
Evyatar David, 24
Taken at the Nova festival; family reported concerns in August about his wellbeing as he appeared to be deprived of food and water in some footage.
Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 24
Kidnapped at the Nova festival while his brother described the ongoing emotional toll of the situation on their family.
Maxim Herkin, 37
Russian-Israeli national kidnapped at the Nova festival. He is a key provider for his family, including his mother and younger brother.
Eitan Horn, 38
Kidnapped alongside his brother from Nir Oz. The family has publicly spoken about the impact of the crisis and the hope that their loved one will return home soon.
Segev Kalfon, 27
Abducted during the Nova festival escape attempt, with his family noting how their lives have been dominated by ongoing uncertainty.
Bar Kupershtein, 23
A bouncer at the Nova festival who helped others during the attack. His family has remained hopeful about his safety and release.
Omri Miran, 48
Lived at kibbutz Nahal Oz with his wife and children when captured. His family has described the heartbreak of daily life during the months of captivity.
Eitan Mor, 25
Worked as a security guard at the Nova festival and helped others to safety before his abduction, according to survivor accounts.
<h3 Yosef-Haim Ohana, 25
Taken at the Nova festival while assisting injured partygoers; family members have shared cautious optimism about his status amid ongoing ceasefire talks.
Alon Ohel, 24
Kidnapped at the Nova festival. His mother has publicly pleaded for renewed international effort to bring hostages home and to reunite families.
Avinatan Or, 32
Abducted at gunpoint at the Nova festival; his partner remains a close witness to the ongoing hopes for his return.
Matan Zangauker, 25
Zangauker was taken from Nir Oz with his partner Ilana Gritzewsky, who was released in 2023. His family remained hopeful for his return.
Context: Why this matters
The anticipated releases are part of a broader exchange that would also see hundreds of prisoners swap hands. Families describe years of waiting, anxiety, and the emotional toll of not knowing their loved ones’ fates. As negotiations proceed, authorities stress that the situation remains subject to change and potential shifts in the ceasefire framework.
What to watch next
Observers will be watching for formal confirmation of release timelines, the processing of the prisoners in both Israel and Gaza, and the conditions that accompany any humanitarian pauses. The fate and safety of each hostage remain a central concern for families and international observers alike.
