On October 7, 2023, several Hamas terrorists infiltrated southern Israel and managed to take several hundred people back to Gaza as hostages, in addition to murdering over 1,200 people.
Their safety has been the subject of great concern to the Israeli public, who campaign for their release and safety as the IDF's war on Hamas continues. So far, several hostages have been released, most of them due to a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
It is currently unknown exactly how many hostages are currently alive in Gaza, though most estimates place it at over 100 at the time of writing.
New survey shows more Israelis want hostage deal than Rafah op • former hostage discharged from hospital
Arab Israelis, with far more consensus than Jewish Israelis (88.5%), said that Israel’s priority should be reaching a deal to release the remaining hostages.
Not the huge incursion we imagined, Rafah is nonetheless significant; Israel’s threat to take over Rafah is real, even if it will be done slowly and in parts.
Yad Labanim chair urges leaders to call publicly to maintain sanctity of Remembrance Day, keep division and political arguments out of military cemeteries.
The project is part of an effort to document the testimony of those who were held hostage by Hamas.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the Hamas hostage deal was a ploy to stop the invasion of Rafah, and he would leave the government if the invasion gets canceled.
The Hamas spokesperson later stated on Telegram, “Your army's destruction of hospitals and putting them out of service is what caused the suffering and death of your detainees."
The hostages to be released reportedly include women, female soldiers, children under the age of 19, adults above the age of 50, and those who are suffering from illnesses.
Hamas releases propaganda video • Rockets fired at Israel following Rafah op • Son of Hamas leader warns ceasefire is a 'trap'
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