Armed members of Hamas have taken at least 200 hostages and killed around 1,400 people when they launched an attack at dawn on October 7 from the Gaza Strip on towns and military bases in southern Israel. Israel responded with airstrikes on Gaza that resulted in thousands of deaths and stated it would work to free the hostages while eliminating Hamas. Israel has amassed tanks and forces near the Gaza border and has urged Palestinians to evacuate northern Gaza before an expected ground invasion. A proposal for a hostage exchange has been suggested that would involve approximately 6,000 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. In 2011, some Israelis criticized an exchange by Israel of around 1,027 Palestinian prisoners for the release of one Israeli soldier. Israel has stated that the blockade on Gaza will not end without the release of the Israeli hostages. The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza is expected to open to deliver limited amounts of aid starting tomorrow, Friday.
*How many hostages are there?*
Israel's public broadcasting authority (Kan Radio) reported today that military sources estimate around 200 individuals are held hostage in Gaza, including 30 minors and a small child, as well as 20 individuals over sixty. Hamas claims it has between 200 and 250 hostages and stated that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of over 20 hostages, but did not provide further details.
*Where are the hostages located?*
Israel claims the hostages have been moved to Gaza, but their exact location within the territory is unknown, complicating rescue efforts. It is believed that many of them could be held in an underground tunnel network in Gaza, which Israeli soldiers refer to as the "Gaza Metro." Hamas released a video on Monday showing a French-Israeli woman named Mia Shim, 21, who was captured while participating in a dance party, showing an injury on her arm while receiving treatment from a medic.
*What are the nationalities of the hostages?*
Among the hostages are individuals from dozens of countries, many of whom also hold Israeli nationality. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated on Tuesday that there are 20 or more missing Americans, noting he could not determine how many are hostages. Republican Senator Jim Risch informed reporters that ten of the hostages are Americans. Thailand stated that 14 of its citizens are held. Among the hostages are eight Germans, nearly half of whom were taken from a residential community, according to local media. Argentine President Alberto Fernández stated in a video call with families that 16 of his citizens are held. A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that at least nine British citizens have been killed, and seven are missing. During a visit to Israel on Thursday, Sunak met with the families of two missing individuals believed to be among the hostages in Gaza. France has not specifically mentioned the number of its citizens held in Gaza, but seven are reported missing after the attacks, some of whom are believed to be held as hostages. The Dutch government announced that an 18-year-old citizen, Ofer Engel, was also kidnapped from a residential community and taken to Gaza. Portugal has stated that it assumes four missing Portuguese-Israelis may have been taken hostage. The father of Chilean-Israeli Dafna Jarkovich indicated that she was taken hostage along with her Spanish husband, Ivan Iyaramendi. Italy mentioned that two Italian-Israelis are missing and are presumed to have been abducted. The military wing of Hamas stated on October 16 that non-Israeli abductees are "guests" and will be released "when conditions on the ground permit."
*What have governments said they are doing regarding the hostages?*
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed retired General Gal Hirsch as the Israeli coordinator for hostages and missing persons. A source familiar with the talks told Reuters that Qatari mediators have attempted to negotiate the release of Israeli women and children held by Hamas in exchange for the release of 36 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons. So far, there is no indication of a possible agreement. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on Tuesday that Turkey is also in talks with Hamas to ensure the release of foreigners, civilians, and children. He mentioned to the state-run Anadolu Agency that countries including the U.S. and Germany have sought Ankara's help in securing the release of their citizens. U.S. President Joe Biden stated his administration is making every effort to locate American hostages held by Hamas. The United States has sent a small team of special operations forces to Israel to assist in intelligence and planning for any eventual rescue operations. Sunak indicated that the British government is in talks with regional partners to help secure the return of the hostages. Fernández stated that the Argentine government is in discussions with Israeli intelligence to locate Argentine hostages. Germany has opened an investigation into members of Hamas for suspected murder and hostage-taking offenses. Under German law, public prosecutors are obligated to investigate crimes allegedly committed abroad that involve German citizens.
*What have the families of the hostages said?*
Families of the missing French-Israeli citizens have urged French President Emmanuel Macron to help locate them. Families of German hostages announced plans to organize a march in Berlin on Sunday to demand their release after a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Tel Aviv. Americans in Tel Aviv have urged Biden to utilize all available resources to locate their abducted relatives and secure their release.
