Imagine waking up every day for over two years, not knowing if your loved one is alive, trapped in a hostile territory. This is the agonizing reality for the families of 20 Israeli and foreign hostages believed to still be alive in Gaza, with their release expected under a fragile ceasefire deal. But here's where it gets even more heart-wrenching: these aren't just names on a list; they're musicians, brothers, fathers, and dreamers, each with a story that demands to be told. And this is the part most people miss—the human faces behind the headlines, the lives forever altered by a single day of terror.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants abducted 251 people during their attack on Israel, dragging them across the border into Gaza. Now, as part of a ceasefire agreement, Israel anticipates the release of the remaining 20 hostages believed to be alive out of the 48 still held. In exchange, Israel will free approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. But who are these individuals, and what do their stories reveal about the human cost of this conflict?
Alon Ohel (24)—A talented musician and pianist, Alon was kidnapped from the Nova music festival, torn from a shelter where he sought refuge among the wounded and dead. His parents, tireless advocates for his return, have placed dozens of pianos across Israel with the message, 'You are not alone.' In a poignant gesture, his mother, Idit, organized a concert for him on the Gaza border in 2024, declaring to NPR, 'I know he's alive because he was taken alive, and I know he's alive because I'm a mother.' But here's the controversial part: Is enough being done to secure his release, or are political negotiations prioritizing other interests over individual lives?
Ariel (28) and David (35) Cunio—These brothers from Kibbutz Nir Oz were abducted alongside their wives and children, though their families were later freed. Their mother, Sylvia, clings to optimism, saying, 'I just want them all home.' But what if optimism isn’t enough? How much longer can families like theirs endure the uncertainty?
Avinatan Or (32)—A high-tech professional with a degree in electrical and computer engineering, Avinatan was kidnapped from the Nova festival with his partner, Noa Argamani, who was rescued last year. Footage of their separation by Hamas gunmen became a haunting symbol of the attacks. In March 2025, released hostages delivered a sign of life from him to his family. But what does this footage truly reveal about the conditions they endure?
Bar Kupershtein (23)—The family's primary earner after his father's disability, Bar was abducted while working at the Nova festival. A motorcycle enthusiast, he was last seen in a Hamas video in April 2025 alongside another hostage. But what happens if these videos are used as propaganda? Are we seeing the full truth?
Elkana Bohbot (36)—Abducted while working at the Nova festival, Elkana has appeared in several videos, the most recent in May 2025. His mother's plea to Army Radio three months ago was raw and desperate: 'I don't want to hear any more talk—I just want to see the headline, 'We signed the deal.' I'm exhausted from promises.' But is the world listening?
Eitan Horn (39)—Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz with his brother Yair, who was later released, Eitan is an informal education professional. The brothers reportedly fled through tunnels during airstrikes, but Eitan remains captive. But what does this say about the randomness of survival?
Eitan Mor (25)—The eldest of eight siblings, Eitan dreamed of opening a café. Kidnapped from the Nova festival, he was described by released hostages as a morale booster who even confronted captors. His family opposes compromise deals with Hamas, arguing they endanger Israelis long-term. But is this opposition helping or hindering his release?
Evyatar David (24)—A café shift manager planning a trip to Southeast Asia, Evyatar was kidnapped alongside his friend Guy Gilboa Dalal. In August 2025, Hamas released a video showing him emaciated, digging his own grave, and urging the Israeli Prime Minister to agree to a ceasefire. But is this footage ethical to share? Does it help or harm the hostages?
Gali Berman and Ziv Berman (28)—Twin brothers from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, abducted from their home, these soccer-loving entrepreneurs ran a sound and lighting company. Released hostages confirmed they were alive but held separately as of February 2025—the longest they’ve ever been apart. But what does this separation do to their bond?
Guy Gilboa-Dalal (24)—An anime enthusiast planning a trip to Japan, Guy was abducted with his friend Evyatar. His brother escaped, but Guy endured severe abuse and starvation, according to released hostages. But how can we ensure accountability for such treatment?
Maxim Herkin (35)—An Israeli-Russian dual national, Maxim was abducted from the Nova festival, where two friends were killed. His last message to his mother was 'I love you.' In May 2025, Hamas released a video showing him pale and thin. His mother refuses to say 'thank you' until he’s home. But what does this refusal symbolize?
Matan Angrest (22)—A soldier captured when his tank was attacked, Matan endured abuse and interrogations, according to released hostages. His last appearance was in a March 2025 Hamas video. But what happens to soldiers like Matan in captivity?
Matan Zangauker (25)—Abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz with his partner, who was later released, Matan worked at a medical cannabis farm. His mother, a single parent to three, has become a leading voice for hostages' families. But what toll does this advocacy take on her?
Nimrod Cohen (20)—A soldier taken from his tank during the attacks, Nimrod was 19 at the time. Released hostages confirmed he’s alive but in poor condition. His mother’s social media post after the ceasefire was heartbreaking: 'My child, you are coming home.' But what if 'home' is no longer the same?
Omri Miran (48)—The oldest hostage still held, Omri, a shiatsu therapist and gardener, was abducted in front of his family. His father has become a leading advocate for the hostages' release, telling NPR, 'I feel on top of the world—as if my son has been born again.' But is this hope justified?
Rom Braslavski (21)—A soldier abducted after helping others escape, Rom was shown emaciated in an April 2025 video. His parents are leading voices in the hostages' movement. But what if their efforts aren’t enough?
Segev Kalfon (27)—Abducted while fleeing Hamas gunmen, Segev, a finance student with severe anxiety, was seized from his car. His mother fears for his health, as he’s been denied critical medication. But what can be done to ensure his medical needs are met?
Yosef Chaim Ohana (25)—A bartender and outdoor enthusiast, Yosef was abducted after helping others escape. Released hostages reported seeing him alive, and a May 2025 video showed him alongside another hostage. But what does this camaraderie mean in captivity?
As we await their release, these stories force us to confront uncomfortable questions: Are we doing enough to secure their freedom? What compromises are acceptable in the name of peace? And how do we balance political negotiations with the urgent need for humanitarian action? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation alive, just like the hope for these 20 individuals.
