Since the October 7 massacre, hundreds of Israelis were taken hostage by Hamas and were held captive in the Gaza Strip. While many of the hostages have either been freed, rescued, or killed, many still remain in captivity. The hostage deal is a hypothetical agreement between Israel and Hamas that would see the hostages, living and dead, released from captivity back to Israel.
Such a deal was implemented in the early days of the war, in November 2023, where many hostages were released over the course of a few days. A much longer one was implemented in early 2025, which saw many hostages released from captivity in exchange for the release of high numbers of Palestinian security prisoners.
“This occupies me, my mind, every day from morning to night and throughout the night when I wake up many times,” Siegel told The NYT.
Israeli hostages can be released if the Israeli government agrees to end the war, fully withdraw from Gaza, and allow for reconstruction of Gaza.
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Putin expressed shock upon learning that Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov had spent 498 days in captivity in Gaza.
The government chose to break the deal and avoid the basic truth. Instead of dealing with it, they keep walking blindly into the abyss.
Our tradition teaches us to hold two truths at once. We must cry over suffering and celebrate over deliverance.
The main point of contention between Israel and Hamas centers around the terror group's demand for guarantees to end the war.
Zangauker stressed that Netanyahu is "well aware of Matan's medical condition, and the conditions under which he is being held."
Mediators are reportedly in the final stages of drafting an agreement, with the US striving to reach an agreement before the end of this month.
Sunday marks 555 days that the remaining 59 hostages have been held captive in the Gaza Strip.
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