As of May 19, 2025, the Israeli government reported that approximately 58 hostages remain in Gaza with approximately 20 to 23 believed alive. This latest revision follows Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier held captive since October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks that resulted in more than 250 individuals being taken hostage (AP News/The Washington Post/Wikipedia).
Hostages believed to be held captive include Israeli soldiers, civilians, and foreign nationals from various locations across Gaza. Some families have received videos or messages assuring them their loved one is still alive while several hostages have appeared in Hamas propaganda videos.
Former hostages have shared terrifying accounts of their captivity. Keith and Aviva Siegel, two former captives who spoke out during an Israel Day parade in New York City recently, detailed experiences of torture, starvation and abuse they endured while held by Hamas’ tunnel network. These testimonies have intensified calls for the immediate release of remaining hostages held captive.
New York Post
Qatar continues negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release, with discussions including a proposal of a 60-day truce in exchange for some hostages being freed. But this remains fluid, leaving some captives vulnerable while military operations continue nearby. +1 TRT Global
International community concerns continue to mount over the violence and its effect on civilians. Hospitals in Gaza are being overwhelmed, forcing some such as the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia to close due to damage from airstrikes and shortages in medical supplies.
As the conflict escalates, prospects of peaceful resolution remain tenuous. Military operations and negotiations that have resulted in no tangible gains further underscore its complexity, emphasizing the urgent need for renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at ending violence and alleviating Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.