The Israel-Hamas hostage deal has brought renewed hope to families across Israel—and the world. As part of a fragile ceasefire agreement, Hamas is expected to release 20 living hostages still believed to be held in Gaza, along with the remains of 26 others who died in captivity .
These are not just names on a list—they are sons, brothers, fathers, and friends whose stories have gripped a nation for over two years. Below, we share who they are, where they were taken, and what their loved ones have endured while waiting for their return.
Who Are the 20 Hostages Believed Alive?
According to Israel and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, these individuals were among the roughly 250 people abducted during the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that killed around 1,200 people. While two others remain in uncertain status—with no recent proof of life—the following 20 are believed to still be alive as of October 2025.
Profiles of the Hostages
- Alon Ohel, 24 – A pianist from northern Israel, wounded in the eye during the Nova music festival attack. Recently seen in a Hamas video, now partially blind.
- Ariel Cunio, 28 – Taken from Nir Oz with his partner, who was released in January. His brother David is also among the hostages.
- David Cunio, 35 – Abducted with his wife and twin daughters, who were freed in 2023. His children’s only birthday wish: “Bring Daddy home.”
- Avinatan Or, 32 – Partner of Noa Argamani, famously rescued by Israeli forces in June 2024. Worked in Israel’s tech sector before his capture.
- Bar Kupershtein, 23 – Stayed behind at the Nova festival to help others escape. His family now pins hope on the ceasefire deal.
- Bipin Joshi, 24 – A Nepali student in Israel on a work-study program. His family recently released footage from late 2023 showing him alive.
- Eitan Horn, 38 – Survived a tunnel collapse with his brother Iair, who was released earlier this year and has since pleaded publicly for Eitan’s return.
- Eitan Mor, 25 – A Nova security guard who once said he’d never want to be exchanged for terrorists. His mother has kept his memory alive through public appeals.
- Elkana Bohbot, 36 – Left behind a wife and 3-year-old son. His wife described his dream: “a happy life for the family.”
- Evyatar David, 24 – A guitarist described as “shy but full of life.” Medical experts say he’s lost nearly half his body weight in captivity.
- Nimrod Cohen, 19 – A young tank crewman whose vehicle broke down near Gaza. His mother says his “rich inner world” may have helped him survive.
- Gali & Ziv Berman, 28 – Twin brothers taken from Kfar Aza. Separated on their first day in Gaza; their friend Emily was released in January.
- Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 24 – Appeared in multiple Hamas propaganda videos, including one with Alon Ohel. Human rights groups call such videos war crimes.
- Maxim Herkin, 37 – A Ukrainian immigrant and father of a 3-year-old. Attended the Nova festival on a last-minute whim.
- Matan Angrest, 22 – An Israeli soldier captured during battle. His mother has become a leading voice in the hostage families’ movement.
- Matan Zangauker, 25 – Girlfriend released in 2023. His mother has vowed to “personally haunt” PM Netanyahu if her son returns in a body bag.
- Omri Miran, 48 – Taken from Kibbutz Nahal Oz, leaving behind a wife and two young children. His wife still visits the kibbutz to feel closer to him.
- Rom Braslavski, 21 – Last seen in August 2025, frail and emaciated in a video released by Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
- Segev Kalfon, 27 – Captured while fleeing Nova. His family made a pilgrimage to Brooklyn to pray at the Rebbe’s gravesite for his safe return.
- Yosef-Chaim Ohana, 25 – A Tel Aviv bartender helping wounded festivalgoers when he was seized. Seen in a Hamas video earlier this year.
What Happens Next?
Under the terms of the ceasefire, the Israel-Hamas hostage deal is expected to begin implementation as early as this weekend. In exchange, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. International monitors are expected to oversee the process, though logistical and security challenges remain high.
For families like the Cunios, the Bohbots, and the Mirans, this moment is both hopeful and agonizing. After 700+ days of uncertainty, they’re finally on the cusp of answers—whether joyful reunions or heartbreaking confirmations.
