Israel–Hamas war hostage crisis
On 7 October 2023, as part of the Hamas-led attack on Israel at the beginning of the Israel–Hamas war, Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups abducted 253 people from Israel to the Gaza Strip,[1][2][3][4][5][6] including children,[7][8][9][10][11] women, and elderly people.[12] In addition to hostages with only Israeli citizenship, almost half of the hostages are foreign nationals or have multiple citizenships.[13] The precise ratio of soldiers and civilians among the captives is unknown. The captives are likely being held in different locations in the Gaza Strip.[14]
As of 14 February 2024, 112 hostages had been returned alive to Israel, with 105 being released in a prisoner exchange deal, four released by Hamas unilaterally and three rescued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).[15][16][17][18][19][20] Twelve bodies of hostages were repatriated to Israel, with three of the hostages killed by friendly fire from the IDF[21] and the bodies of nine hostages repatriated through military operations.[22][23] 33 hostages were reportedly killed in Hamas captivity according to Israel.[24][25][26][27][28] According to unconfirmed Israeli intelligence, at least 20 additional hostages may be deceased, with their bodies being held captive in Gaza.[29] As of 6 April 2024, 133 hostages remained in captivity in the Gaza Strip, 129 of whom had been abducted on 7 October 2023; the other four hostages having been captured earlier.[25]
Hamas has offered to release all hostages in exchange for Israel releasing all Palestinian prisoners.[30] By October 2023, Israel held 5,200 Palestinians (including 170 juveniles) in its prisons. Hamas stated its objective was to secure their release.[31] Several countries have been involved in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with Qatar taking the lead.[32]
On 22 November 2023, Israel and Hamas agreed to the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners and a four-day cease-fire in exchange for Hamas's release of approximately 50 of the hostages. The exchange involved hostages from the categories of women and children.[33][34][35] As of 30 November 2023, the last day of the ceasefire, 105 civilian hostages had been released, which included 81 people from Israel, 23 Thais and one Filipino.[36] On 12 February 2024, two Argentinian-Israeli civilians were rescued in Operation Golden Hand. As of April 2024, according to Israeli information, Hamas holds 97 hostages alive and 36 bodies.[24]