In the wake of the October 7 attacks that sparked the Gaza war, Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups abducted 251 people from Israel to the Gaza Strip, including children, women, and elderly people. Almost half of the hostages were foreign nationals or had multiple citizenships, and some hostages were Negev Bedouins. The hostages were held in different locations in the Gaza Strip.
168 hostages were returned alive to Israel, with 105 released in the 2023 Gaza war ceasefire, five released by Hamas outside the framework of any ceasefire agreement, eight rescued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), 30 released during the January 2025 Gaza war ceasefire, and 20 released under the Gaza peace plan. The bodies of 84 hostages were repatriated to Israel, with three of the hostages killed by friendly fire after escaping captivity and being mistaken for enemy fighters by IDF troops, the bodies of 47 other hostages repatriated through military operations, eight returned in the January 2025 ceasefire deal, and 27 returned under the Gaza peace plan. According to Israel, 84 hostages were killed on 7 October 2023 or in Hamas captivity. The body of one hostage is still being held in the Gaza Strip, as of 3 December 2025.
The return of the hostages was a goal of the Israeli operation in Gaza. Its status as the main goal has been debated by Israeli politicians.
Hamas offered to release all hostages in exchange for Israel releasing all 5,200 Palestinian prisoners at the start of the war. Several countries have been involved in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with Qatar taking the lead.
Israel and Hamas agreed on 22 November 2023 to a four-day ceasefire and the release of 50 women and children held hostage in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. By the last day of the ceasefire on 30 November 2023, 105 civilian hostages had been released, including 81 people from Israel, 23 Thais and one Filipino. Two Argentinian-Israeli civilians were rescued in Operation Golden Hand on 12 February 2024. Hamas insinuated on 2 September 2024 that it would kill any hostage that the IDF attempted to rescue with military force, so that Israel could only receive the hostages back by negotiating an exchange of Palestinian prisoners. It was announced on 15 January 2025 that Hamas would release 33 out of 98 hostages in a first phase that included infants, children, women, elderly men, and younger men with injuries or health issues. Israel released more than 1,000 Palestinians being held in Israeli prisons in exchange. The 20 remaining living hostages were released as part of the Gaza peace plan on 13 October 2025. The body of one deceased hostage has yet to be returned to Israel. Hamas has stated it has not been able to reach all of the remains because they are buried under rubble left by Israel's bombing of Gaza, as well as lack of access to DNA kits to test the remains.
Infobox
Date
7 October 2023 – present(2 years, 2 months and 3 days)
Location
Gaza Strip and Israel; some Palestinian prisoners were released to the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the first ceasefire deal
Result
251 hostages kidnapped to Gaza,[b] 84 of whom were killed, 1 hostage body still held in Gaza as of 3 December 2025
Tables
· Hostages count
Multi-metric bars
World heat map
Hostages taken
Hostages taken
Description
Hostages taken
Totals
255
Hostages taken on 7 October 2023
Hostages taken on 7 October 2023
Description
Hostages taken on 7 October 2023
Totals
251
— taken alive
— taken alive
Description
— taken alive
Subtotals
most
Notes
an indeterminate number of hostages were taken dead
— taken dead
— taken dead
Description
— taken dead
Subtotals
some
Hostages taken earlier and still held
Hostages taken earlier and still held
Description
Hostages taken earlier and still held
Totals
4
— taken alive in 2014
— taken alive in 2014
Description
— taken alive in 2014
Subtotals
1
— taken dead in 2014
— taken dead in 2014
Description
— taken dead in 2014
Subtotals
2
— taken alive in 2015
— taken alive in 2015
Description
— taken alive in 2015
Subtotals
1
Hostages returned
Hostages returned
Description
Hostages returned
Totals
254
Hostages returned alive
Hostages returned alive
Description
Hostages returned alive
Totals
168
— November 2023 ceasefire
— November 2023 ceasefire
Description
— November 2023 ceasefire
Subtotals
105
— rescued by IDF
— rescued by IDF
Description
— rescued by IDF
Subtotals
8
— miscellaneous releases
— miscellaneous releases
Description
— miscellaneous releases
Subtotals
5
— January 2025 ceasefire
— January 2025 ceasefire
Description
— January 2025 ceasefire
Subtotals
30
Notes
including the two living hostages from 2014 and 2015
— October 2025 peace plan
— October 2025 peace plan
Description
— October 2025 peace plan
Subtotals
20
Hostages returned dead
Hostages returned dead
Description
Hostages returned dead
Totals
86
— recovered by IDF
— recovered by IDF
Description
— recovered by IDF
Subtotals
48
Notes
including one of the dead hostages from 2014
— killed by IDF friendly fire
— killed by IDF friendly fire
Description
— killed by IDF friendly fire
Subtotals
3
— January 2025 ceasefire
— January 2025 ceasefire
Description
— January 2025 ceasefire
Subtotals
8
— October 2025 peace plan
— October 2025 peace plan
Description
— October 2025 peace plan
Subtotals
27
Notes
including the other dead hostage from 2014
Hostages remaining (as of 3 December 2025)
Hostages remaining (as of 3 December 2025)
Description
Hostages remaining (as of 3 December 2025)
Totals
1
Dead hostages from 7 October 2023
Dead hostages from 7 October 2023
Description
Dead hostages from 7 October 2023
Subtotals
1
Ranked list
Description
Subtotals
Totals
Notes
Hostages taken
255
Hostages taken on 7 October 2023
251
— taken alive
most
an indeterminate number of hostages were taken dead
— taken dead
some
Hostages taken earlier and still held
4
— taken alive in 2014
1
— taken dead in 2014
2
— taken alive in 2015
1
Hostages returned
254
Hostages returned alive
168
— November 2023 ceasefire
105
— rescued by IDF
8
— miscellaneous releases
5
— January 2025 ceasefire
30
including the two living hostages from 2014 and 2015
— October 2025 peace plan
20
Hostages returned dead
86
— recovered by IDF
48
including one of the dead hostages from 2014
— killed by IDF friendly fire
3
— January 2025 ceasefire
8
— October 2025 peace plan
27
including the other dead hostage from 2014
Hostages remaining (as of 3 December 2025)
1
Dead hostages from 7 October 2023
1
mw- Timeline· Timeline
Multi-metric bars
World heat map
20 July 2014
20 July 2014
Date
20 July 2014
Summary
Oron Shaul dies in battle; body taken hostage
1 August 2014
1 August 2014
Date
1 August 2014
Summary
Hadar Goldin dies in battle; body taken hostage
7 September 2014
7 September 2014
Date
7 September 2014
Summary
Avera Mengistu, an Israeli civilian who suffers from mental illness crosses into Gaza and is taken hostage by Hamas
20 April 2015
20 April 2015
Date
20 April 2015
Summary
Hisham al-Sayed, a Bedouin-Israeli civilian who suffers from mental illness crosses into Gaza and is taken hostage by Hamas
7 October 2023
7 October 2023
Date
7 October 2023
Summary
251 hostages taken from Supernova music festival, Nir Oz, Be'eri, Kfar Aza, Nahal Oz and other Gaza envelope communities. Hostages include soldiers and civilians:
IDF 23+ soldiers
~200 Jewish Israeli civilians
6+ Bedouin Israeli civilians
31 Thai citizens
1 Filipino citizen
1 Tanzanian citizen
1 Nepalese citizen
8 October 2023
8 October 2023
Date
8 October 2023
Summary
Analysis from the Washington Post determines that four hostages were killed shortly after being taken captive in Kibbutz Be'eri.[citation needed]
9 October 2023
9 October 2023
Date
9 October 2023
Summary
Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades threatens to execute hostages if civilian homes are bombed "without warning".
14 October 2023
14 October 2023
Date
14 October 2023
Summary
Hamas reports that nine hostages had been killed over a 24-hour period due to sustained IDF airstrikes. Israeli officials responded that as the hostages were in Hamas custody, the hostages well being was their responsibility.
17 October 2023
17 October 2023
Date
17 October 2023
Summary
Hamas releases a video of hostage Mia Schem; after her release she describes the video was forced against her will.
20 October 2023
20 October 2023
Date
20 October 2023
Summary
Hamas releases two American hostages unilaterally.
23 October 2023
23 October 2023
Date
23 October 2023
Summary
Hamas releases two elderly Israeli female hostages unilaterally.
30 October 2023
30 October 2023
Date
30 October 2023
Summary
Israeli forces rescue Ori Megidish, an Israeli female soldier that had been held hostage in northern Gaza.Hamas releases a video showing three female hostages pleading to be released.
4 November 2023
4 November 2023
Date
4 November 2023
Summary
Hamas claims that more than 60 hostages are missing "because of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza."
9 November 2023
9 November 2023
Date
9 November 2023
Summary
Abu Obaida, spokesperson for Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades, announced the release of two Israeli-American hostages, a mother and daughter, citing "humanitarian reasons." They were later handed over to Israeli forces at the Gaza Strip border.
14 November 2023
14 November 2023
Date
14 November 2023
Summary
Three hostages are killed by an Israeli airstrike which targeted and killed Hamas Gaza City Brigade Chief Ahmed Ghandour on 14 November. Their bodies were recovered by the IDF on 15 December but the Israeli government did not publicly reveal the cause of their death until September 2024. A Hamas statement issued 22 December 2023 along with video of the hostages had stated that the organization "tried to keep them alive – but Netanyahu insisted on killing them."
Elia Toledano, Nik Beizer, and Ron Sherman
16 November 2023
16 November 2023
Date
16 November 2023
Summary
Israel announces that it has recovered the bodies of two hostages, Yehudit Weiss and Corporal Noa Marciano, from buildings adjacent to Al-Shifa hospital.
17 November 2023
17 November 2023
Date
17 November 2023
Summary
Hamas releases a video confirming the death of 86-year-old hostage Arye Zalmanovich, claiming he has died due to a heart attack caused by IDF airstrikes.
21 November 2023
21 November 2023
Date
21 November 2023
Summary
Israel releases footage that it says shows hostages being taken into Al-Shifa hospital by armed men. According to Israel, a third hostage, Corporal Noa Marciano, was taken to Al-Shifa hospital and executed there. Hamas had previously claimed that Marciano was killed in an Israeli airstrike on 9 November.
24–30 November 2023
24–30 November 2023
Date
24–30 November 2023
Summary
Hamas and Israel agree to a four-day ceasefire in which 50 Israeli hostages would be released for 150 Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire was extended by three additional days. The hostages to be released during the ceasefire included women and minors. Hamas releases 80 Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of 240 prisoners during the weeklong ceasefire. Separate from the broader hostage release, on 26 November 2023, Hamas releases a dual citizen Russian-Israeli hostage, "as a result of the movement's appreciation for President Putin's positions". Hamas also released 23 Thai hostages and one Filipino hostage during the weeklong ceasefire in a separate agreement between Hamas and the Thai government.
81 from Israel
23 from Thailand
1 from the Philippines
29 November 2023
29 November 2023
Date
29 November 2023
Summary
Hamas reports that members of the Bibas family, a 10-month old, a 4-year-old and their mother were apparently killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. The IDF and Shin Bet announce they have recovered the body of deceased hostage Ophir Sarfati in recent days.
1 December 2023
1 December 2023
Date
1 December 2023
Summary
Four hostages from Nir Oz were announced to have died in captivity.
8 December 2023
8 December 2023
Date
8 December 2023
Summary
Hamas says hostage Sahar Baruch was killed in a failed rescue attempt. On 3 January 2024, the IDF admitted that Baruch was killed during a failed rescue attempt and two Israeli soldiers were wounded while attempting the rescue attempt.
12 December 2023
12 December 2023
Date
12 December 2023
Summary
The IDF recovers the bodies of two hostages in underground tunnels in Jabalia, Gaza: They were:
Eden Zechariah and Ziv Dado
15 December 2023
15 December 2023
Date
15 December 2023
Summary
Three Israeli hostages are shot dead by the IDF while waving a white-flag in Shuja'iyya, Gaza in a friendly fire incident.The IDF recovers the bodies of three additional hostages in Gaza.
Alon Shamriz
Yotam Haim
Samer Talalka
18 December 2023
18 December 2023
Date
18 December 2023
Summary
Hamas released a video of three elderly Israeli hostages on 18 December.
19 December 2023
19 December 2023
Date
19 December 2023
Summary
Palestinian Islamic Jihad released a video of two Israeli hostages on 19 December.
4 January 2024
4 January 2024
Date
4 January 2024
Summary
Three Israelis that had been previously presumed as missing are announced as held hostage in Gaza. Israel believes 136 hostages are being held in the Gaza Strip.
15 January 2024
15 January 2024
Date
15 January 2024
Summary
Hamas releases a video showing three Israeli hostages. Hamas claims that two of the hostages were killed in Israeli airstrikes. Israel disputed the claim.
19 January 2024
19 January 2024
Date
19 January 2024
Summary
The Al-Nasser Salah al-Deen Brigades released a video of an Israeli captive who it claimed was killed by an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip.
6 February 2024
6 February 2024
Date
6 February 2024
Summary
According to a confidential assessment conducted by Israeli intelligence officers, it was reported that there were more deceased hostages then previously known, with an additional 20 hostages reportedly deceased.
12 February 2024
12 February 2024
Date
12 February 2024
Summary
The IDF, Shin Bet and special police forces rescue two hostages, who were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, from a building in Rafah in southern Gaza, one soldier is reportedly injured and 37 Hamas militants are reportedly killed.
6 April 2024
6 April 2024
Date
6 April 2024
Summary
The IDF announces it has recovered the body of deceased hostage Elad Katzir.
10 April 2024
10 April 2024
Date
10 April 2024
Summary
Hamas tells mediators that it does not have 40 hostages that match the criteria for a ceasefire deal.
17 May 2024
17 May 2024
Date
17 May 2024
Summary
The IDF reports that they have recovered the bodies of three of the hostages, including that of Shani Louk, who were reportedly kidnapped during the attack on the Nova festival. Per the IDF, all three were killed near the site of the attack and their bodies were taken into Gaza and later recovered in a Hamas tunnel.
18 May 2024
18 May 2024
Date
18 May 2024
Summary
It was announced by the IDF that they had also recovered the body of deceased hostage Ron Benjamin, and his body was recovered alongside those announced the day before. Benjamin was 53-years-old and abducted from the Be'eri kibbutz while riding his bike on the day of the attack.
24 May 2024
24 May 2024
Date
24 May 2024
Summary
The IDF reports that they have recovered the bodies of three hostages from a tunnel in Jabalia.
28 May 2024
28 May 2024
Date
28 May 2024
Summary
Saraya Al-Quds released a video of an Israeli hostage.
3 June 2024
3 June 2024
Date
3 June 2024
Summary
The IDF reports the deaths of four hostages, possibly by IDF fire in Khan Yunis.
8 June 2024
8 June 2024
Date
8 June 2024
Summary
Four hostages are successfully rescued by the IDF in an operation in Nuseirat in central Gaza. The four hostages were taken during the Nova music festival massacre. One Israeli officer and dozens of Palestinians are killed in the rescue operation.
22 July 2024
22 July 2024
Date
22 July 2024
Summary
The IDF confirmed the death of Polish-Israeli historian and educator Alex Dancyg, and of Yagev Buchshtav – both abducted from their homes in Kibbutz Nir Oz and Kibbutz Nirim during the 7 October (2023) massacres. Buchshstav's wife – Rimon – was kidnapped along with her husband, but she was released in November 2023 in a hostage deal with Hamas.
24 July 2024
24 July 2024
Date
24 July 2024
Summary
Five bodies of hostages are recovered by the IDF in a tunnel in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
19–20 August 2024
19–20 August 2024
Date
19–20 August 2024
Summary
Six bodies of hostages are recovered by Israeli forces in a Khan Younis tunnel. The bodies had gunshot wounds, likely indicating they were killed by their captors.
27 August 2024
27 August 2024
Date
27 August 2024
Summary
A Negev Bedouin hostage, Farhan Al-Qadi, is rescued by Israeli forces operating in a tunnel in Rafah. Al-Qadi had been left alone and unguarded in a tunnel, and IDF forces did not encounter any resistance from Hamas when they rescued him.
28 August 2024
28 August 2024
Date
28 August 2024
Summary
The remains of an IDF soldier who was killed and abducted on 7 October were recovered from the southern Gaza Strip.
31 August 2024
31 August 2024
Date
31 August 2024
Summary
Six bodies of hostages, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, are recovered by the IDF in a tunnel in Rafah. According to an autopsy report performed by the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, the hostages were executed by Hamas from "close range" 2–3 days earlier [he].
4 December 2024
4 December 2024
Date
4 December 2024
Summary
The remains of Itai Svirsky, taken hostage from kibbutz Be'eri on 7 October 2023, was recovered by the IDF.
8 January 2025
8 January 2025
Date
8 January 2025
Summary
The remains of Yousef and Hamza Zayadni, taken hostage from kibbutz Holit on 7 October 2023, were recovered by the IDF.
19 January 2025
19 January 2025
Date
19 January 2025
Summary
Hours prior to a ceasefire, the IDF announces it had retrieved the remains of Oron Shaul, killed and captured by Hamas in 2014, in a clandestine operation with the Shin Bet over the weekend.Israel and Hamas agree to a three stage ceasefire. Three female hostages are released by Hamas:
Romi Gonen
Emily Damari
Doron Steinbrecher
25 January 2025
25 January 2025
Date
25 January 2025
Summary
Four Israeli women serving in the IDF are released by Hamas into the custody of the Red Cross and returned to Israel:
Karina Ariev
Daniella Gilboa
Naama Levy
Liri Albag
30 January 2025
30 January 2025
Date
30 January 2025
Summary
Three Israeli (one civilian man, one civilian woman and one IDF female soldier) and five Thai hostages are released by Hamas:
Agam Berger
Arbel Yehud
Gadi Moses
Pongsak Thaenna
Sathian Suwannakham
Watchara Sriaoun
Bannawat Saethao
Surasak Lamnao
1 February 2025
1 February 2025
Date
1 February 2025
Summary
Three Israeli men are released by Hamas:
Keith Siegel
Ofer Calderon
Yarden Bibas
8 February 2025
8 February 2025
Date
8 February 2025
Summary
Three Israeli men are released by Hamas:
Eli Sharabi
Or Levy
Ohad Ben Ami
15 February 2025
15 February 2025
Date
15 February 2025
Summary
Three Israeli men are released by Hamas:
Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov
Sagui Dekel-Chen
Iair Horn
20 February 2025
20 February 2025
Date
20 February 2025
Summary
Hamas returns bodies of three dead Israeli hostages, including two children, along with the body of an unidentified woman incorrectly presented as Shiri Bibas:
Oded Lifshitz
Ariel Bibas
Kfir Bibas
21 February 2025
21 February 2025
Date
21 February 2025
Summary
Hamas returns body of Shiri Bibas.
22 February 2025
22 February 2025
Date
22 February 2025
Summary
Six Israeli men are released by Hamas, including two who had been kidnapped before the 7 October 2023 attack and held hostage for a decade:
Eliya Cohen
Omer Shem Tov
Omer Wenkert
Tal Shoham
Avera Mengistu
Hisham al-Sayed
26 February 2025
26 February 2025
Date
26 February 2025
Summary
The bodies of four dead Israeli hostages are returned by Hamas:
Shlomo Mansour
Ohad Yahalomi
Tsachi Idan
Itzik Elgarat
12 May 2025
12 May 2025
Date
12 May 2025
Summary
Israeli-American hostage and IDF soldier Edan Alexander is handed over to the Red Cross as a gesture of goodwill prior to US President Donald Trump's visit to the Arabian Peninsula and to facilitate the entrance of humanitarian aid into Gaza. A week later, the Israeli government resumes humanitarian aid into Gaza with reports saying that the aid is in exchange for Alexander's release.
5 June 2025
5 June 2025
Date
5 June 2025
Summary
The IDF recovers the bodies of two dead hostages:
Gadi Haggai
Judi Weinstein
6 June 2025
6 June 2025
Date
6 June 2025
Summary
The IDF recovers the body of Thai hostage Nattapong Pinta. The announcement came the following day. In the announcement, Israel stated that it believes Nattapong was kidnapped alive and killed in captivity.
11 June 2025
11 June 2025
Date
11 June 2025
Summary
The IDF recovers the bodies of two hostages who were killed on 7 October 2023:
Aviv Atzili
Yair Yaakov
21 June 2025
21 June 2025
Date
21 June 2025
Summary
The IDF recovers the bodies of three hostages who were killed on 7 October 2023, including one IDF soldier:
Ofra Keidar
Staff Sgt. Shay Levinson
Jonathan Samerano
29 August 2025
29 August 2025
Date
29 August 2025
Summary
The IDF recovers the bodies of two hostages who were killed on 7 October 2023:
Idan Shtivi
Ilan Weiss
8 October 2025
8 October 2025
Date
8 October 2025
Summary
Israel and Hamas agree on the first stage of the Gaza war peace plan, under which all hostages will be released - first the living, then the dead.
13 October 2025
13 October 2025
Date
13 October 2025
Summary
20 Israeli men, including two IDF soldiers, are released by Hamas into the custody of the Red Cross and returned to Israel:
Matan Angrest
Gali Berman
Ziv Berman
Elkana Bohbot
Rom Braslavski
Nimrod Cohen
Ariel Cunio
David Cunio
Evyatar David
Guy Gilboa-Dalal
Maxim Herkin
Eitan Horn
Segev Kalfon
Bar Kupershtein
Omri Miran
Eitan Mor
Yosef Chaim Ohana
Alon Ohel
Avinatan Or
Matan Zangauker
The bodies of four dead Israeli hostages, including one IDF soldier, are also returned by Hamas:
Guy Illouz
Yossi Sharabi
Bipin Joshi
Cpt. Daniel Perez
14 October 2025
14 October 2025
Date
14 October 2025
Summary
The bodies of three dead Israeli hostages, including one IDF soldier, are returned by Hamas into the custody of the Red Cross and returned to Israel, along with a fourth body belonging to a Palestinian from the West Bank:
Staff Sgt. Tamir Nimrodi
Uriel Baruch
Eitan Levy
Hamas claims the fourth body belongs to an Israeli soldier allegedly killed and abducted in May 2024, but the IDF denies the claim. The Israeli broadcaster Kan reports that it belongs to a detained Palestinian prisoner whom the IDF used as a human shield.
15 October 2025
15 October 2025
Date
15 October 2025
Summary
The bodies of two dead Israeli hostages, including one IDF soldier, are returned by Hamas into the custody of the Red Cross and returned to Israel:
Sgt. Maj. Muhammad Al-Atrash
Inbar Haiman
17 October 2025
17 October 2025
Date
17 October 2025
Summary
Hamas returns the body of Eliyahu "Churchill" Margalit.
18 October 2025
18 October 2025
Date
18 October 2025
Summary
Hamas returns two bodies to Israel:
Ronen Engel
Sonthaya Oakkharasri
20 October 2025
20 October 2025
Date
20 October 2025
Summary
Hamas returns the body of Tal Haimi.
21 October 2025
21 October 2025
Date
21 October 2025
Summary
Hamas returns two bodies to Israel:
Tamir Adar
Arie "Zalman" Zalmanowicz
27 October 2025
27 October 2025
Date
27 October 2025
Summary
Hamas returns body parts of Ofir Tzarfati, whose partial remains were recovered by the IDF in November 2023, incorrectly presented as the remains of a current hostage.
30 October 2025
30 October 2025
Date
30 October 2025
Summary
Hamas returns two bodies to Israel:
Sahar Baruch
Amiram Cooper
31 October 2025
31 October 2025
Date
31 October 2025
Summary
Hamas hands over the remains of three unidentified individuals, none of whom are hostages.
2 November 2025
2 November 2025
Date
2 November 2025
Summary
Hamas returns the bodies of three IDF soldiers to Israel:
Sgt. Oz Daniel
Col. Asaf Hamami
Capt. Omer Maxim Neutra
4 November 2025
4 November 2025
Date
4 November 2025
Summary
Hamas returns the body of IDF soldier Staff Sgt. Itay Chen to Israel.
5 November 2025
5 November 2025
Date
5 November 2025
Summary
Hamas returns the body of Joshua Luito Mollel.
7 November 2025
7 November 2025
Date
7 November 2025
Summary
Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas return the body of Lior Rudaeff to Israel.
9 November 2025
9 November 2025
Date
9 November 2025
Summary
Hamas returns the body of IDF soldier Lt. Hadar Goldin, who was killed and captured in 2014, to Israel.
13 November 2025
13 November 2025
Date
13 November 2025
Summary
Hamas and the PIJ return the body of Meny Godard to Israel.
25 November 2025
25 November 2025
Date
25 November 2025
Summary
Hamas and the PIJ return the body of Dror Or to Israel.
3 December 2025
3 December 2025
Date
3 December 2025
Summary
Hamas and the PIJ return the body of Sudthisak Rinthalak to Israel.
Ranked list
Date
Summary
20 July 2014
Oron Shaul dies in battle; body taken hostage
1 August 2014
Hadar Goldin dies in battle; body taken hostage
7 September 2014
Avera Mengistu, an Israeli civilian who suffers from mental illness crosses into Gaza and is taken hostage by Hamas
20 April 2015
Hisham al-Sayed, a Bedouin-Israeli civilian who suffers from mental illness crosses into Gaza and is taken hostage by Hamas
7 October 2023
251 hostages taken from Supernova music festival, Nir Oz, Be'eri, Kfar Aza, Nahal Oz and other Gaza envelope communities. Hostages include soldiers and civilians: IDF 23+ soldiers ~200 Jewish Israeli civilians 6+ Bedouin Israeli civilians 31 Thai citizens 1 Filipino citizen 1 Tanzanian citizen 1 Nepalese citizen
8 October 2023
Analysis from the Washington Post determines that four hostages were killed shortly after being taken captive in Kibbutz Be'eri.[citation needed]
9 October 2023
Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades threatens to execute hostages if civilian homes are bombed "without warning".
14 October 2023
Hamas reports that nine hostages had been killed over a 24-hour period due to sustained IDF airstrikes. Israeli officials responded that as the hostages were in Hamas custody, the hostages well being was their responsibility.
17 October 2023
Hamas releases a video of hostage Mia Schem; after her release she describes the video was forced against her will.
20 October 2023
Hamas releases two American hostages unilaterally.
23 October 2023
Hamas releases two elderly Israeli female hostages unilaterally.
30 October 2023
Israeli forces rescue Ori Megidish, an Israeli female soldier that had been held hostage in northern Gaza.Hamas releases a video showing three female hostages pleading to be released.
4 November 2023
Hamas claims that more than 60 hostages are missing "because of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza."
9 November 2023
Abu Obaida, spokesperson for Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades, announced the release of two Israeli-American hostages, a mother and daughter, citing "humanitarian reasons." They were later handed over to Israeli forces at the Gaza Strip border.
14 November 2023
Three hostages are killed by an Israeli airstrike which targeted and killed Hamas Gaza City Brigade Chief Ahmed Ghandour on 14 November. Their bodies were recovered by the IDF on 15 December but the Israeli government did not publicly reveal the cause of their death until September 2024. A Hamas statement issued 22 December 2023 along with video of the hostages had stated that the organization "tried to keep them alive – but Netanyahu insisted on killing them." Elia Toledano, Nik Beizer, and Ron Sherman
16 November 2023
Israel announces that it has recovered the bodies of two hostages, Yehudit Weiss and Corporal Noa Marciano, from buildings adjacent to Al-Shifa hospital.
17 November 2023
Hamas releases a video confirming the death of 86-year-old hostage Arye Zalmanovich, claiming he has died due to a heart attack caused by IDF airstrikes.
21 November 2023
Israel releases footage that it says shows hostages being taken into Al-Shifa hospital by armed men. According to Israel, a third hostage, Corporal Noa Marciano, was taken to Al-Shifa hospital and executed there. Hamas had previously claimed that Marciano was killed in an Israeli airstrike on 9 November.
24–30 November 2023
Hamas and Israel agree to a four-day ceasefire in which 50 Israeli hostages would be released for 150 Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire was extended by three additional days. The hostages to be released during the ceasefire included women and minors. Hamas releases 80 Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of 240 prisoners during the weeklong ceasefire. Separate from the broader hostage release, on 26 November 2023, Hamas releases a dual citizen Russian-Israeli hostage, "as a result of the movement's appreciation for President Putin's positions". Hamas also released 23 Thai hostages and one Filipino hostage during the weeklong ceasefire in a separate agreement between Hamas and the Thai government. 81 from Israel 23 from Thailand 1 from the Philippines
29 November 2023
Hamas reports that members of the Bibas family, a 10-month old, a 4-year-old and their mother were apparently killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. The IDF and Shin Bet announce they have recovered the body of deceased hostage Ophir Sarfati in recent days.
1 December 2023
Four hostages from Nir Oz were announced to have died in captivity.
8 December 2023
Hamas says hostage Sahar Baruch was killed in a failed rescue attempt. On 3 January 2024, the IDF admitted that Baruch was killed during a failed rescue attempt and two Israeli soldiers were wounded while attempting the rescue attempt.
12 December 2023
The IDF recovers the bodies of two hostages in underground tunnels in Jabalia, Gaza: They were: Eden Zechariah and Ziv Dado
15 December 2023
Three Israeli hostages are shot dead by the IDF while waving a white-flag in Shuja'iyya, Gaza in a friendly fire incident.The IDF recovers the bodies of three additional hostages in Gaza. Alon Shamriz Yotam Haim Samer Talalka
18 December 2023
Hamas released a video of three elderly Israeli hostages on 18 December.
19 December 2023
Palestinian Islamic Jihad released a video of two Israeli hostages on 19 December.
4 January 2024
Three Israelis that had been previously presumed as missing are announced as held hostage in Gaza. Israel believes 136 hostages are being held in the Gaza Strip.
15 January 2024
Hamas releases a video showing three Israeli hostages. Hamas claims that two of the hostages were killed in Israeli airstrikes. Israel disputed the claim.
19 January 2024
The Al-Nasser Salah al-Deen Brigades released a video of an Israeli captive who it claimed was killed by an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip.
6 February 2024
According to a confidential assessment conducted by Israeli intelligence officers, it was reported that there were more deceased hostages then previously known, with an additional 20 hostages reportedly deceased.
12 February 2024
The IDF, Shin Bet and special police forces rescue two hostages, who were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, from a building in Rafah in southern Gaza, one soldier is reportedly injured and 37 Hamas militants are reportedly killed.
6 April 2024
The IDF announces it has recovered the body of deceased hostage Elad Katzir.
10 April 2024
Hamas tells mediators that it does not have 40 hostages that match the criteria for a ceasefire deal.
17 May 2024
The IDF reports that they have recovered the bodies of three of the hostages, including that of Shani Louk, who were reportedly kidnapped during the attack on the Nova festival. Per the IDF, all three were killed near the site of the attack and their bodies were taken into Gaza and later recovered in a Hamas tunnel.
18 May 2024
It was announced by the IDF that they had also recovered the body of deceased hostage Ron Benjamin, and his body was recovered alongside those announced the day before. Benjamin was 53-years-old and abducted from the Be'eri kibbutz while riding his bike on the day of the attack.
24 May 2024
The IDF reports that they have recovered the bodies of three hostages from a tunnel in Jabalia.
28 May 2024
Saraya Al-Quds released a video of an Israeli hostage.
3 June 2024
The IDF reports the deaths of four hostages, possibly by IDF fire in Khan Yunis.
8 June 2024
Four hostages are successfully rescued by the IDF in an operation in Nuseirat in central Gaza. The four hostages were taken during the Nova music festival massacre. One Israeli officer and dozens of Palestinians are killed in the rescue operation.
22 July 2024
The IDF confirmed the death of Polish-Israeli historian and educator Alex Dancyg, and of Yagev Buchshtav – both abducted from their homes in Kibbutz Nir Oz and Kibbutz Nirim during the 7 October (2023) massacres. Buchshstav's wife – Rimon – was kidnapped along with her husband, but she was released in November 2023 in a hostage deal with Hamas.
24 July 2024
Five bodies of hostages are recovered by the IDF in a tunnel in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
19–20 August 2024
Six bodies of hostages are recovered by Israeli forces in a Khan Younis tunnel. The bodies had gunshot wounds, likely indicating they were killed by their captors.
27 August 2024
A Negev Bedouin hostage, Farhan Al-Qadi, is rescued by Israeli forces operating in a tunnel in Rafah. Al-Qadi had been left alone and unguarded in a tunnel, and IDF forces did not encounter any resistance from Hamas when they rescued him.
28 August 2024
The remains of an IDF soldier who was killed and abducted on 7 October were recovered from the southern Gaza Strip.
31 August 2024
Six bodies of hostages, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, are recovered by the IDF in a tunnel in Rafah. According to an autopsy report performed by the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, the hostages were executed by Hamas from "close range" 2–3 days earlier [he].
4 December 2024
The remains of Itai Svirsky, taken hostage from kibbutz Be'eri on 7 October 2023, was recovered by the IDF.
8 January 2025
The remains of Yousef and Hamza Zayadni, taken hostage from kibbutz Holit on 7 October 2023, were recovered by the IDF.
19 January 2025
Hours prior to a ceasefire, the IDF announces it had retrieved the remains of Oron Shaul, killed and captured by Hamas in 2014, in a clandestine operation with the Shin Bet over the weekend.Israel and Hamas agree to a three stage ceasefire. Three female hostages are released by Hamas: Romi Gonen Emily Damari Doron Steinbrecher
25 January 2025
Four Israeli women serving in the IDF are released by Hamas into the custody of the Red Cross and returned to Israel: Karina Ariev Daniella Gilboa Naama Levy Liri Albag
References
Many Israeli citizens taken hostage had citizenship from additional countries.
Excludes four hostages held in Gaza prior to the October 7 attacks, and 17 additional hostages held inside Israel on the
Excludes Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, whose bodies were captured prior to the war; Shaul's body was recovered during the
Including Samer Talalka.
Includes four hostages taken prior to the 7 October attacks
Rom Braslavski and Bar Kupershtein were also IDF soldiers, but were on leave when taken captive.
Herkin gained Russian citizenship during his captivity through the effort of his mother, who hoped it would help secure
The release of key allied leaders has been a repeated demand from Hamas during hostage negotiations. They have repeatedl
