After more than two years of anguish, a breakthrough deal between Israel and Hamas has brought renewed hope for the remaining hostages in Gaza. But who exactly is still being held—and what does the newly agreed-upon exchange plan actually promise? Here’s everything we know so far about the Gaza hostages and the fragile path to their release.
How Many Hostages Are Still in Gaza?
According to Israeli officials, approximately 20 living hostages remain in captivity in Gaza. In addition, the bodies of around 25 to 28 deceased hostages are still being recovered. These individuals were among the roughly 250 people abducted during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
Many of the original captives have already been freed—through prisoner swaps during two earlier ceasefires or via daring Israeli military rescue operations. But those still held are believed to be in the most precarious condition, with recent Hamas videos showing them emaciated and frail.
What Happened to the Other Hostages?
Of the 250 initially taken:
- Over 200 have been released or rescued.
- At least 36 were killed in captivity, according to a New York Times investigation.
- 7 were executed by captors as Israeli forces approached.
- 4 died in Israeli airstrikes.
- 3 were mistakenly shot by Israeli soldiers who thought they were militants.
The uncertainty around the remaining cases has left families in agonizing limbo—until now.
The Trump-Brokered Deal: What’s in It for the Hostages?
Under President Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, all remaining hostages—living and deceased—are to be released in exchange for a massive prisoner transfer from Israel:
- 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences.
- 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7, 2023.
- For every Israeli hostage’s remains returned, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.
According to a senior official familiar with the negotiations, the 20 living hostages are expected to be released all at once—possibly as early as this Sunday. The return of the deceased hostages’ remains will happen in stages due to the difficulty of locating and exhuming buried bodies.
Table: Gaza Hostage Status Snapshot (as of Oct 8, 2025)
| Category | Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Living hostages | ~20 | Expected release this weekend |
| Deceased hostages (remains unrecovered) | 25–28 | To be returned in phases |
| Total originally abducted | ~250 | On Oct 7, 2023 |
| Already freed/rescued | 200+ | Via swaps or military ops |
Families React: Relief Mixed with Anxiety
For families who’ve spent 700+ days in silence, the news is overwhelming. Pushpa Joshi, 18, whose brother Bipin—a Nepali student—was taken on October 7, said: “I am faithful that I will be able to see my brother’s smiling face and be able to hold his hand.”
Others remain cautious. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum described the moment as “a mix of excitement, anticipation, and concern,” urging the Israeli government to approve the deal without delay. “Any delay could exact a heavy toll on the hostages and soldiers,” the group warned.
Challenges Ahead
While the hostage release appears imminent, the broader ceasefire remains fragile. Prime Minister Netanyahu insists Hamas must disarm—a condition the group has repeatedly rejected. Without full compliance, the war could reignite even after the hostages come home.
Moreover, questions linger about the health of the surviving captives. Israeli medics are on standby for emergency evacuations, and psychological support teams are preparing for complex reintegration cases.
A Glimmer of Hope in a War-Torn Enclave
In Gaza, civilians are also watching closely. “Joy for the end of the war and the killing, and sorrow for everything we’ve lost,” said Montaser Bahja, a displaced teacher in Khan Younis. Like many, he hopes this deal marks not just a hostage release—but the beginning of peace.
For now, the world waits. Sunday could be the day that ends one of the most painful chapters of this two-year war.
