The heart-wrenching plight of hostages held in Gaza has gripped the world—imagine families clinging to hope for over two years, waiting for loved ones abducted in a brutal attack to finally come home. But here's where it gets controversial: as the first phase of a ceasefire unfolds, the release of these captives raises questions about the price of peace and whether such deals truly bring lasting security or just embolden those who hold them. Let's delve into the stories of the 20 Israelis and foreigners believed to be alive and slated for freedom, shedding light on their lives before and during captivity, and exploring the emotional toll on their families.
Picture this: A billboard in Tel Aviv displaying the faces of those taken by Palestinian militants since October 2023 serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis. Following Hamas's devastating raids on Israel that day, 251 individuals were seized and spirited into Gaza. With the initial ceasefire agreement in motion, the remaining 48 hostages are poised for release on Monday, though officials confirm only 20 are still thought to be living. In exchange, Israel plans to liberate roughly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. Early Monday morning is the anticipated time for their return. And this is the part most people miss—these aren't just names; they're individuals with passions, dreams, and families fighting tirelessly for their release. We'll explore each one, clarifying the details to make it easier to grasp the human side of this conflict, for beginners unfamiliar with the intricacies of the region.
Starting with Alon Ohel, a 24-year-old musician and pianist, who was snatched from the Nova music festival. Hidden in a shelter amid the chaos of wounded and deceased, he was forcibly removed by attackers. His parents, key figures in the campaign for hostages' return, scattered pianos (https://www.instagram.com/p/DPuaU6Ljlkw/) throughout Israel, inscribing messages like 'You are not alone' to symbolize solidarity. In 2024, his mother, Idit Ohel, even hosted a concert near the Gaza border. As she shared with NPR (https://www.npr.org/2024/01/27/1227069543/hostage-mother-concert-israel-hamas-gaza-alon-ohel), her conviction stems from maternal instinct: 'I know that he's alive because he was taken alive, and I know that he's alive because I'm a mother.' It's a powerful reminder of how hope can drive extraordinary actions.
Then there are Ariel Cunio, 28, and David Cunio, 35, brothers from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Captured on October 7 alongside their spouses and kids (https://www.npr.org/2023/12/15/1219151214/israeli-hostages-hamas-gaza), their families were freed in prior agreements, but the siblings stayed behind. By July 2025, their mother Sylvia expressed unwavering positivity: 'I always try to stay optimistic because there's no other way… I just want them all home.' This optimism amidst despair highlights the resilience required in such situations.
Avinatan Or, 32, the middle child of seven, boasts a background in electrical and computer engineering and a career in tech. Snatched from the Nova festival with his girlfriend, Noa Argamani (https://www.npr.org/2024/06/08/nx-s1-4997026/israel-gaza-hostages-rescued), who was later rescued by Israeli troops, their abduction video—showing militants tearing them apart—became an iconic snapshot of the Oct. 7 horrors. In March 2025, former captives passed on proof of life to his relatives, offering a glimmer in the darkness.
Bar Kupershtein, 23, the oldest of five kids and primary earner since his father's disability, was taken while at the Nova festival. A motorcycle aficionado, he last appeared in a Hamas clip in April 2025 beside fellow hostage Maksim Harkin, underscoring the ongoing struggle.
Elkana Bohbot, 36, employed at the Nova event, faced abduction there. Multiple captivity videos emerged, with the latest in May 2025. Three months prior, his mother confided to Galei Tzahal (Army Radio): 'I don't want to hear any more talk—I just want to see the headline, "We signed the deal." I'm exhausted from promises. I've lost my sanity, my optimism. My body can't take it anymore.' Her words paint a vivid picture of the mental exhaustion families endure.
Eitan Horn, 39, seized from Kibbutz Nir Oz with his sibling Yair, released this year. As an expert in informal education, Eitan shared part of his detention with Yair, and reports suggest they navigated tunnels during airstrikes. Yair's February 2025 liberation brought joy, yet intensified worries for Eitan.
Eitan Mor, 25, the firstborn of eight, pursued dreams of owning a café while working as a barista and security at Nova. Former prisoners describe him as a source of encouragement, even challenging guards for others' sake. His Kiryat Arba family publicly opposes concessions to Hamas, claiming they jeopardize Israeli safety long-term—a stance that sparks debate on negotiation ethics.
Evyatar David, 24, managed shifts at a café and planned adventures in Southeast Asia. Captured at Nova with pal Guy Gilboa Dalal, he featured in August 2025 videos, appearing frail, forced to dig a grave, and pressured to plead for a ceasefire with the Israeli PM. This footage ignited widespread shock and anger in Israel.
Gali Berman and Ziv Berman, 28-year-old twins from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, lovers of soccer and travel, co-managed a sound and lighting business and had just returned from Costa Rica. Taken from their residence on Oct. 7, liberated captives confirmed their survival but separate confinement as of Feb. 2025—their longest separation ever, per brother Liran.
Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 24, a fan of animation and Japanese anime with Japan travel plans, was seized at Nova alongside Evyatar David. His sibling Gal evaded capture (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/06/i-hear-him-screaming-brother-of-israeli-hostage-describes-agonising-two-years). February 2025 brought a clip of them observing friends' releases, revealing Guy's severe mistreatment and malnutrition, leaving him in dire condition.
Maxim Herkin, 35, an Israel-Russian citizen from Ukraine, abducted from Nova where friends perished. Father to a daughter in Russia and partner in Israel, he sent a final 'I love you' text. A May 2025 video showed his weakened state. His mother vowed to Israeli outlets: 'Until I get my son back, I won't say thank you,' embodying unyielding determination.
Matan Angrest, 22, a soldier seized when his tank was overrun near Gaza. A sports lover, he allegedly faced mistreatment and questioning, per freed comrades. His March 2025 video was his last sighting.
Matan Zangauker, 25, taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz with girlfriend Ilana Gritzewsky, freed in Nov. 2023. They tended the kibbutz's medical cannabis operation, hit early on Oct. 7. Matan's single mother of three has emerged as a prominent advocate, honored as a 2024 BBC 100 Women (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-4f79d09b-655a-42f8-82b4-9b2ecebab611).
Nimrod Cohen, 20, a soldier grabbed from his vehicle near Nirim kibbutz during the Oct. 7 assaults (he was 19 then). Capture footage aired, and released individuals verified his life, though health is poor. A hiker and gamer, his mom Viki posted on social media (https://x.com/bringnimrod/status/1976065954716258587) post-ceasefire: 'My child, you are coming home.'
Omri Miran, 48, a shiatsu practitioner and head gardener at Kibbutz Nir Oz, snatched from Nahal Oz in front of his wife and daughters. Kidnapping video released later. As the eldest surviving captive, his dad Dani Miran leads advocacy efforts. In a recent NPR chat, he exclaimed: 'I feel on top of the world—as if my son has been born again,' a metaphor for renewed hope.
Rom Braslavski, 21, a Jerusalem soldier guarding Nova, captured after aiding escapes, per kin. April 2025 Islamic Jihad footage depicted his emaciated form. Contact ceased in July, yet authorities deem him alive. His parents spearhead family movements.
Segev Kalfon, 27, seized fleeing Nova. A Tel Aviv finance major with recent anxiety diagnosis post-accident, he lacked medicine in captivity, per maternal concerns.
Yosef Chaim Ohana, 25, a cyclist, camper, and hiker who bartended and supported his solo mom. Abducted from Nova after helping others, he was spotted alive by freed peers. A May 2025 video paired him with Elkana Bohbot.
These narratives reveal the depth of suffering and the controversies surrounding hostage releases—do such exchanges foster true reconciliation, or do they fund future threats? Is it ethical to negotiate with groups labeled terrorists? Share your thoughts: Do you agree with families opposing certain deals, or see them as necessary evils? What alternative paths to peace might exist? Let's discuss in the comments—your perspectives could spark meaningful dialogue!
