Over 100 hostages captured during the Oct. 7 Hamas assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip have been set free.
Estimates of the total hostage count from the attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties have fluctuated during the conflict. As of Thursday, Israel’s figures indicate that there are still 143 hostages in Gaza, although the basis for these estimates has not been fully disclosed.
A truce between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Qatar, has halted hostilities since Nov. 24 and facilitated the release of women and children hostages in exchange for Palestinian female and teenage detainees held in Israeli jails. Since the ceasefire, 75 Israeli citizens, some with dual nationality, have been freed. According to the agreement, the release of an Israeli hostage triggers the liberation of three Palestinian prisoners. Furthermore, 24 non-Israeli nationals have been released outside of the exchange deal. Prior to the agreement, a couple of hostages, including two Americans, were also freed or rescued.
The demographics and nationalities of the remaining hostages in Gaza, as well as the number of captives who have died in confinement, are not entirely clear. Israel’s estimation suggests that the majority of the remaining hostages are male, including soldiers, and are believed to be Israeli citizens. The exact number of hostages who may be in the Israeli military is uncertain. The White House reports that fewer than 10 U.S. citizens are still held as hostages.
While the majority of hostages are assumed to be held by Hamas, other militant groups such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad are also believed to be involved. Israel alleges that it has found the bodies of at least two hostages who were purportedly killed while in captivity. Hamas claims that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of some hostages. The Washington Post is unable to verify either claim independently.
Below is a list of hostages who have been released and the information available regarding those who are still held captive.
