As of October 2025, roughly 20 Israeli hostages remain alive in Gaza, according to Israeli officials—with the bodies of about 25 others still unrecovered. Their fate hangs in the balance amid stalled ceasefire talks and growing international pressure. Here’s everything we know about the Gaza hostages still missing, what happened to those already freed or lost, and the high-stakes trade-offs being negotiated behind closed doors.
How Many Gaza Hostages Are Still Missing?
On October 7, 2023, Hamas and allied militants abducted approximately 250 people during their surprise assault on southern Israel. Since then, a mix of military raids, prisoner swaps, and tragic losses has shaped the grim reality of this crisis.
Today, Israel confirms that:
- About 20 living hostages are still believed to be held in Gaza.
- The remains of roughly 25 additional hostages have not yet been returned.
- Hamas claims retrieving buried bodies will take time—a point of contention in current negotiations.
Disturbing videos released by Hamas in recent months show some captives severely emaciated and frail, sparking outrage and heartbreak across Israel and the world. Medical experts warn that without urgent intervention, some may not survive much longer.
What Happened to the Other Hostages?
Of the original 250 hostages:
- Over 160 were released during two major ceasefires—in late 2023 and early 2025—in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
- At least 8 were rescued in daring Israeli military operations deep inside Gaza.
- More than 36 have died in captivity, according to a New York Times investigation.
Tragically, some deaths occurred under harrowing circumstances:
- Seven were executed by captors as Israeli troops closed in.
- Four died in Israeli airstrikes.
- Three were mistakenly killed by Israeli soldiers who thought they were militants.
- Others perished in crossfire or under unclear conditions.
The Trump Ceasefire Plan and Hostage Exchange Terms
Former President Donald Trump has placed the Gaza hostages issue at the center of his proposed ceasefire framework. His plan, unveiled last month, demands that all living hostages—and the remains of the deceased—be released within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance.
Israel agreed to the proposal nine days ago, but the timeline has since become ambiguous. In return for the hostages, the plan outlines a significant prisoner exchange:
- Israel would release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences.
- Plus 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, 2023.
- For every Israeli hostage’s remains returned, Israel would hand over the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.
Table: Gaza Hostage Status Breakdown (as of October 2025)
| Status | Number | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Still Alive in Captivity | ~20 | Believed held by Hamas; health deteriorating |
| Deceased, Bodies Not Returned | ~25 | Hamas says exhumation takes time |
| Released via Ceasefire Deals | 160+ | Exchanged for Palestinian prisoners |
| Rescued by Israeli Forces | 8+ | High-risk military operations |
| Died in Captivity | 36+ | Executions, airstrikes, friendly fire, unknown causes |
Why This Matters Now
Every passing day increases the risk for the remaining Gaza hostages. Families are pleading for action, while diplomats scramble to align Hamas, Israel, and regional players on a viable path forward. The Trump proposal offers a structured framework—but without trust, verification, and urgency, it may remain just that: a plan on paper.
