On October 7, 2023, several Hamas terrorists infiltrated southern Israel and managed to take several hundred people back to Gaza as hostages, in addition to murdering over 1,200 people.
Their safety has been the subject of great concern to the Israeli public, who campaign for their release and safety as the IDF's war on Hamas continues. So far, several hostages have been released, most of them due to a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
It is currently unknown exactly how many hostages are currently alive in Gaza, though most estimates place it at over 100 at the time of writing.
Chen, aged 36, was kidnapped to Gaza from Kibbutz Nir Oz while protecting his family during the Hamas attacks.
The UN Security Council will vote on a Gaza ceasefire resolution that does not mention the release of the hostages, with uncertainty over whether the US will use its veto power.
As hostage talks stall, Netanyahu promises rewards for returns and warns hostage captors that Israel will pursue them.
Hamas targets aid looters in Gaza office • Hochstein in Lebanon for ceasefire talks • Hamas office in Doha remains open
Israel offers NIS 5M reward and safe passage from Gaza for hostage intelligence, up from NIS 1M.
Netanyahu described how he sat awake until 3 a.m. to “discuss ways to overcome the Hamas’s refusal to return everyone.”
"I want you to hear my brother's voice," 16-year-old Ofir Angrest, who questioned joining IDF combat service while hostages remain in Gaza, pleaded.
The statement came a day after the declassification of details in an ongoing investigation into a document leak that may have damaged hostage deal talks.
Yonatan was abducted from Kibbutz Beeri on October 7, after he escaped the Nova festival.
IDF finds underground compound in south Lebanon • Female combat soldiers enter Lebanon • IDF names fallen soldiers
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