Under the new agreement, Israel expects around 20 Hamas hostages to be released of the remaining hostages early Monday morning. In exchange, the Israeli government will free roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Israeli officials now believe that of the 48 remaining captives, only about 20 are still alive. Their return marks not only the end of a grueling two-year national trauma but also the beginning of a long and painful process of recovery — both personal and collective.
More than two years after the horrific Hamas attacks that shook Israel and the world on October 7, 2023, during the initial onslaught, 251 men, women, and children were abducted and taken across the border into Gaza in what became one of the darkest chapters in modern Israeli history.
These are the names and stories of those Israel believes are still alive, the last survivors of a tragedy that began in fire and blood but continues to echo through every corner of the nation.
Alon Ohel (24)
A gifted pianist and musician, Alon was kidnapped from the Nova music festival — the site of the massacre that claimed hundreds of lives. He was dragged from a shelter where he had been hiding among the wounded and the dead. His parents, Idit and Amir Ohel, became symbols of endurance, placing pianos across Israel with signs reading “You are not alone.” In 2024, Idit organized a border concert in his honor, telling NPR, “I know that he’s alive because he was taken alive. And I know that he’s alive because I’m a mother.”
Ariel (28) and David (35) Cunio
Brothers from Kibbutz Nir Oz, Ariel and David were abducted alongside their wives and children. Their families were freed in earlier exchanges, but the brothers remained behind in Gaza. Their mother, Sylvia, continues to speak publicly for their return, saying in July 2025, “I always try to stay optimistic because there’s no other way. I just want them all home.”
Avinatan Or (32)
A software engineer with a degree in electrical and computer engineering, Avinatan was kidnapped from the Nova festival with his girlfriend, Noa Argamani, whose rescue by Israeli forces last year became a national event. The heartbreaking footage of their abduction — Hamas militants pulling them apart — became one of the defining images of October 7. In March 2025, other freed hostages delivered a note from Avinatan to his family, confirming he was alive.
Bar Kupershtein (23)
Bar was the eldest of five children and the primary breadwinner after his father became disabled. A motorcycle enthusiast, Bar was taken while working at the Nova festival. Hamas released a video of him in April 2025, showing him frail and thin, alongside another hostage, Maksim Harkin. His family continues to hope that he will be among those released Monday.
Elkana Bohbot (36)
Also kidnapped from the Nova festival, Elkana has appeared in several captivity videos, the latest in May 2025. His mother told Army Radio, “I don’t want any more talk — I just want to see the headline, ‘We signed the deal.’ I’ve lost my sanity, my optimism. My body can’t take it anymore.”
Eitan Horn (39)
Eitan and his brother Yair were both kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Yair was released earlier this year, but Eitan remains missing. The two brothers were held together for part of their captivity and reportedly tried to escape during an Israeli airstrike. Their family’s relief over Yair’s release has been tempered by deep anxiety for Eitan’s fate.
Eitan Mor (25)
The eldest of eight siblings, Eitan was working as a security guard at the Nova festival when he was taken. Known for his humor and courage, released hostages said he frequently encouraged others and even confronted captors. His family, residents of Kiryat Arba, have opposed deals that trade Palestinian prisoners for hostages, arguing it endangers future Israeli lives.
Evyatar David (24)
A café manager planning a trip to Southeast Asia, Evyatar was kidnapped from the Nova festival alongside his close friend, Guy Gilboa Dalal. A Hamas video released in August 2025 showed him digging his own grave under duress — an image that horrified the nation. His mother said, “I just want to hold him once more.”
Gali and Ziv Berman (28)
Twin brothers from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Gali and Ziv were abducted from their home during the Oct. 7 attacks. Both avid soccer fans and world travelers, they ran a sound and lighting company together. Released hostages reported they were alive as of February 2025 but held separately — the longest the twins had ever been apart.
Guy Gilboa-Dalal (24)
Guy, a fan of Japanese animation and art, was abducted from the Nova festival with his friend Evyatar. His brother escaped, but Guy was taken. A Hamas video released in February showed him witnessing others being freed, his face emaciated and exhausted. Hostages later said he endured severe mistreatment and starvation.
Maksim Herkin (35)
A dual Israeli-Russian national, Maksim emigrated from Ukraine and was working at the Nova festival when abducted. A father and partner, he texted his mother “I love you” minutes before his capture. Hamas released a video of him in May 2025, looking weak but alive. His mother said, “Until I get my son back, I will not say thank you.”
Matan Angrest (22)
An Israeli soldier, Matan was captured when his tank was attacked near the Gaza border. Described as a quiet, athletic young man, he endured repeated interrogations and mistreatment. His mother has led weekly vigils in Jerusalem, saying she won’t rest until he returns.
Matan Zangauker (25)
Captured with his girlfriend, Ilana Gritzewsky, who was freed in 2023, Matan worked at a medical cannabis farm in Kibbutz Nir Oz. His mother, a single parent, became a powerful voice for hostage families, named one of the BBC’s “100 Women of 2024.”
Nimrod Cohen (20)
A young soldier taken from his tank near Kibbutz Nirim, Nimrod was 19 when kidnapped. A lover of hiking and gaming, he is believed to be alive but in fragile condition. After the ceasefire announcement, his mother wrote online, “My child, you are coming home.”
Omri Miran (48)
The oldest living hostage, Omri was taken from his home in Nahal Oz in front of his wife and daughters. A gardener and shiatsu therapist, Omri’s father, Dani, became a public advocate for all hostages. He told NPR last week, “I feel on top of the world — as if my son has been born again.”
Rom Braslavski (21)
A soldier from Jerusalem working security at the Nova festival, Rom stayed behind to help others escape. A video released in April 2025 showed him frail and ill, but alive. His parents have been tireless campaigners for the hostages’ return.
Segev Kalfon (27)
A Tel Aviv finance student abducted while fleeing Hamas gunmen at the Nova festival. Diagnosed with severe anxiety weeks earlier, Segev was reportedly denied his medication in captivity. His mother fears his health has sharply deteriorated.
Yosef Chaim Ohana (25)
A bartender and avid cyclist, Yosef was taken from the Nova festival after rescuing others. Hamas released footage in May 2025 showing him alongside Elkana Bohbot. His mother, a single parent, says, “He’s my whole world. I’ll never stop fighting for him.”
After more than 700 days of anguish, the families of these hostages now stand on the edge of hope and heartbreak. Israel awaits Monday morning the hostages that will be released thanks to President Donald Trump’s negotiations.
