Israel’s recent announcement of four more hostage deaths in Hamas captivity, including elderly men in their 80s, has heightened concerns for the remaining captives in Gaza. Calls for an immediate cease-fire deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages have spread across Israel.
After almost eight months of conflict with Hamas, the situation stands as follows: the initial hostages were taken on Oct. 7, resulting in around 1,200 deaths and approximately 250 individuals being abducted to Gaza. Of these hostages, 105 were released in November in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.
Unfortunately, more than 120 individuals are still held captive in Gaza, with 43 declared dead by Israel. Among the remaining hostages are elderly individuals, women, children, and even an American-Israeli, Hersh Polin-Goldberg.
While Israeli troops have recovered the bodies of some hostages, others have been released through military rescues. The ongoing conflict continues to grip the region, with families desperate for the return of their loved ones.