A man passes by a billboard displaying portraits of Israelis abducted by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip since October 2023.
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AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty images
TEL AVIV, Israel – On October 7, during the Hamas assault on Israel, 251 individuals were taken hostage. After more than two years, Israeli authorities confirm that out of the 48 remaining captives-both Israeli and foreign-20 are still believed to be alive. These hostages are anticipated to be freed on Monday as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Below are their names and personal accounts:
Alon Ohel (24) – A talented pianist and musician, Alon was seized at the Nova music festival. He was forcibly removed from a shelter where he had sought refuge among the injured and deceased. His parents, who have become vocal advocates for the hostages’ safe return, placed numerous pianos throughout Israel bearing the message, “You are not alone.” In 2024, his mother, Idit Ohel, organized a concert near the Gaza border in his honor. She shared with NPR, “I am certain he is alive because he was captured alive, and because I am his mother.”
Ariel (28) and David (35) Cunio – These brothers from Kibbutz Nir Oz were taken hostage on October 7 along with their spouses and children. While their families were released in earlier negotiations, Ariel and David remain captive. Their mother, Sylvia, expressed in July 2025, “I hold onto hope because it’s the only option… I just want all of them back home.”
Avinatan Or (32) – The second eldest of seven siblings, Avinatan holds a degree in electrical and computer engineering and worked in the tech sector. He was abducted alongside his partner, Noa Argamani, who was rescued by Israeli forces last year. A widely circulated video from the attack shows Hamas militants separating the couple, becoming a poignant symbol of the October 7 events. In March 2025, released hostages conveyed a message from Avinatan to his family, confirming he is alive.
Bar Kupershtein (23) – The eldest of five siblings and the primary provider for his family after his father’s disability, Bar was taken to Gaza while working at the Nova festival. An avid motorcycle enthusiast, he was last seen in a Hamas video in April 2025 alongside fellow captive Maksim Harkin.
Elkana Bohbot (36) – Working at the Nova music festival when abducted, several videos have surfaced showing him in captivity, the latest from May 2025. His mother told Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) three months ago, “I’m tired of hearing promises-I just want to see the headline, ‘The deal is signed.’ I’ve lost my optimism and my sanity. My body can’t endure this anymore.”
Eitan Horn (39) – Captured from Kibbutz Nir Oz alongside his brother Yair, who was freed earlier this year. Eitan, an informal education specialist, spent part of his captivity with Yair, and the brothers reportedly escaped through tunnels during Israeli airstrikes. Yair’s release in February 2025 brought some relief but left the family anxious for Eitan’s fate.
Eitan Mor (25) – The eldest of eight siblings, Eitan worked as a barista and aspired to open his own café. He was taken from the Nova festival, where he served as a security guard. Released hostages described him as a morale booster who even confronted captors on behalf of others. His family in Kiryat Arba has publicly opposed any compromise with Hamas, fearing it endangers Israelis in the long run.
Evyatar David (24) – A café shift manager planning a trip to Southeast Asia, Evyatar was abducted at the Nova festival alongside his friend Guy Gilboa Dalal. In August 2025, Hamas released videos showing him severely emaciated, forced to dig his own grave, and coerced into urging the Israeli Prime Minister to accept a ceasefire. The footage provoked widespread outrage across Israel.
Twins display portraits of Gali and Ziv Berman, who were taken hostage by Palestinian militants during the October 7 attack and remain captive in Gaza, at a rally in Tel Aviv demanding their freedom.
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Gali Berman and Ziv Berman (28) – Twin brothers from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, abducted from their home on October 7. Passionate about soccer and travel, they co-owned a sound and lighting business and had recently returned from Costa Rica. Released captives reported that as of February 2025, the brothers were alive but held separately-the longest period they have been apart, according to their elder brother Liran.
Guy Gilboa-Dalal (24) – An animation and Japanese anime fan who had planned a trip to Japan, Guy was taken at the Nova festival alongside his close friend Evyatar David. His brother Gal escaped. In February 2025, Hamas released footage showing them witnessing the release of other hostages. Released captives reported that Guy suffered severe abuse and starvation, leaving him in fragile physical and mental health.
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Michel Illouz (left), father of Guy Illouz, and Ilan Dalal, father of hostage Guy Gilboa Dalal (right), embrace amid supporters holding signs saying “they’re coming home” at a rally in Hostages Square, Tel Aviv, on October 11.
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Maxim Herkin (35) – Holding dual Israeli-Russian citizenship and originally from Ukraine, Maxim was taken at the Nova festival where two close friends were killed. A father to a daughter in Russia and partner in Israel, he sent a final message to his mother saying “I love you” on the day of his capture and has had no contact since. In May 2025, Hamas released a video showing him looking pale and frail. His mother told Israeli media, “I won’t say thank you until my son is back.”
Matan Angrest (22) – A soldier captured when his tank was attacked near the Gaza border fence. A sports and soccer fan, Matan reportedly endured harsh treatment and interrogations by Hamas, according to released hostages. His last known appearance was in a Hamas video from March 2025.
Matan Zangauker (25) – Taken from his home at Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his partner Ilana Gritzewsky, who was freed in November 2023. The couple worked at the kibbutz’s medical cannabis farm, and their home was among the first targeted by Hamas on October 7. Matan’s mother, who raised him and his two sisters alone, has become a prominent advocate for hostage families and was named one of BBC’s 100 Women of 2024.
Nimrod Cohen (20) – A soldier seized from his tank during the October 7 attacks near the Nirim kibbutz close to Gaza’s border. He was 19 at the time. Hamas released footage of his capture, and released hostages later confirmed he remains alive, though in poor physical and mental condition. A nature enthusiast who enjoys hiking and video games, his mother Viki wrote on social media after the ceasefire, “My child, you are coming home.”
Omri Miran (48) – A shiatsu therapist and head gardener at Kibbutz Nir Oz, Omri was abducted from his home in Nahal Oz on October 7, 2023, in front of his wife and two daughters. Hamas later released footage of his capture. As the oldest living hostage still held in Gaza, his father Dani Miran has become a leading voice advocating for their release. Speaking to NPR recently, he said, “I feel like I’m on top of the world-as if my son has been reborn.”
Rom Braslavski (21) – A soldier from Jerusalem working as a security guard at the Nova festival, Rom was taken after helping others escape, according to his family. In April 2025, Islamic Jihad released a video showing him emaciated and in poor health. Contact was lost in July, but Israeli officials believe he is still alive. His parents have been prominent advocates for the hostages’ families.
Segev Kalfon (27) – Abducted while attempting to flee Hamas gunmen at the Nova music festival. A friend told his family militants stopped their car and seized Segev, a Tel Aviv finance student recently diagnosed with severe anxiety following a car accident. His mother fears for his wellbeing, stating he has been denied essential medication.
Yosef Chaim Ohana (25) – A bartender and eldest son of a single mother whom he helped support, Yosef enjoys cycling, camping, and hiking. He was taken from the Nova festival after risking his life to help others escape. Released hostages later reported seeing him alive, and in May 2025 Hamas released a video showing him alongside fellow captive Elkana Bohbot.
