Imagine waking up every day for over two years, not knowing if your loved one is alive, trapped in a nightmare beyond your control. This is the harrowing reality for the families of 20 hostages believed to still be alive in Gaza, awaiting release under a fragile ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. But who are these individuals, and what are their stories?
On October 7, 2023, 251 lives were shattered when Hamas militants abducted them from Israel, dragging them across the border into Gaza. Now, as part of the ceasefire agreement, Israel expects the remaining 20 hostages—out of the original 48 still held—to be freed in exchange for the release of approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. But here's where it gets controversial: while this deal offers hope, it also raises questions about the long-term implications of such exchanges. Are they a necessary evil, or do they perpetuate a cycle of violence?
Let’s delve into the lives of these hostages, whose stories are both heartbreaking and inspiring:
Alon Ohel (24) — A talented musician and pianist, Alon was kidnapped from the Nova music festival, torn from a shelter where he sought refuge among the wounded and dead. His parents, tireless advocates for his return, have placed pianos across Israel with the message, 'You are not alone.' In 2024, his mother, Idit, organized a concert on the Gaza border, declaring, 'I know he’s alive because he was taken alive, and I know because I’m a mother.' Her unwavering faith is both poignant and powerful.
Ariel (28) and David (35) Cunio — These brothers from Kibbutz Nir Oz were abducted alongside their wives and children, though their families were later released. Their mother, Sylvia, clings to optimism, saying, 'I just want them all home.' But this is the part most people miss: the emotional toll of such prolonged separation on families, even when some are freed.
Avinatan Or (32) — A high-tech professional with a degree in electrical and computer engineering, Avinatan was kidnapped from the Nova festival with his partner, Noa Argamani, who was rescued last year. Footage of their separation became a haunting symbol of the attacks. In March 2025, released hostages delivered a sign of life from him, offering a glimmer of hope to his family.
Bar Kupershtein (23) — The eldest of five siblings and his family’s primary provider, Bar was abducted while working at the Nova festival. His passion for motorcycles and last appearance in a Hamas video in April 2025 alongside another hostage, Maksim Harkin, remind us of the humanity behind these names.
Elkana Bohbot (36) — Also working at the Nova festival, Elkana has appeared in several captivity videos, the most recent in May 2025. His mother’s plea to Galei Tzahal—'I just want to see the headline, 'We signed the deal'—captures the exhaustion and desperation of waiting families.
Eitan Horn (39) — Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz with his brother Yair (released earlier this year), Eitan is an informal education professional. The brothers reportedly fled through tunnels during airstrikes, adding another layer of trauma to their ordeal.
Eitan Mor (25) — The eldest of eight siblings, Eitan dreamed of opening a café. Kidnapped from the Nova festival, he was described by released hostages as a morale booster who even confronted captors. His family’s opposition to compromise deals with Hamas highlights the divisive nature of such negotiations.
Evyatar David (24) — A café shift manager planning a trip to Southeast Asia, Evyatar was kidnapped alongside his friend Guy Gilboa Dalal. Hamas videos in August 2025 showed him emaciated, digging his own grave, sparking outrage across Israel. This footage raises a disturbing question: How far can humanity sink in conflict?
Gali Berman and Ziv Berman (28) — Twin brothers from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, these soccer-loving travelers were abducted from their home. Released hostages confirmed they were alive but held separately as of February 2025—the longest they’ve ever been apart, according to their brother Liran.
Guy Gilboa-Dalal (24) — An anime enthusiast planning a trip to Japan, Guy was abducted with Evyatar. His brother Gal escaped, but Guy endured severe abuse and starvation, leaving him in dire condition. His story forces us to confront the brutal realities of captivity.
Maxim Herkin (35) — An Israeli-Russian dual national, Maxim was abducted from the Nova festival, where two friends were killed. His last message to his mother was 'I love you.' A Hamas video in May 2025 showed him pale and thin, yet his mother remains resolute: 'Until I get my son back, I won’t say thank you.'
Matan Angrest (22) — A soldier captured when his tank was attacked, Matan endured abuse and interrogations. His last appearance was in a Hamas video in March 2025, leaving his family in agonizing limbo.
Matan Zangauker (25) — Abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz with his partner Ilana (released in 2023), Matan’s mother has become a leading voice for hostage families, named one of the BBC’s 100 Women of 2024. Her strength is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
Nimrod Cohen (20) — Taken from his tank during the attacks, Nimrod was just 19 at the time. Hamas footage of his capture and later confirmation of his poor condition by released hostages underscore the cruelty of war. His mother’s social media post after the ceasefire—'My child, you are coming home'—is a testament to maternal love.
Omri Miran (48) — The oldest hostage still held, Omri, a shiatsu therapist and gardener, was abducted in front of his family. His father, Dani, has become a vocal advocate for the hostages' release, expressing joy akin to 'my son being born again.'
Rom Braslavski (21) — A soldier abducted after helping others escape, Rom was last seen in an Islamic Jihad video in April 2025, emaciated and unwell. His parents’ advocacy highlights the families’ relentless fight for their loved ones.
Segev Kalfon (27) — Abducted while fleeing Hamas gunmen at the Nova festival, Segev, a finance student with severe anxiety, was seized from his car. His mother fears for his health, as he’s been denied critical medication. This raises another controversial question: How do we balance humanitarian concerns with political negotiations?
Yosef Chaim Ohana (25) — A bartender and outdoor enthusiast, Yosef was abducted after helping others escape. Released hostages confirmed he’s alive, and a Hamas video in May 2025 showed him alongside another hostage. His selflessness in the face of danger is a reminder of the best of humanity, even in the worst of times.
As we await the release of these 20 individuals, we’re left with a mix of hope and unease. While their return would be a triumph, the circumstances surrounding their captivity and release force us to confront difficult truths about conflict, compromise, and humanity. What do you think? Are such deals worth the cost, or do they set a dangerous precedent? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going.
