Israel provides updated figures on the number of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. According to the Israeli army, there are now believed to be 224 people held hostage, an increase from the previous estimate of 222. These individuals were captured during Hamas’ surprise cross-border raids earlier this month, with some taken from their homes and others from a music festival.
The families of the hostages have been desperately pleading for their release. Among those taken were civilians and soldiers from countries such as Mexico, Brazil, the United States, Germany, Thailand, and Israel. One of the hostages, Mia Schem, a 21-year-old French-Israeli woman, appeared in a video released by Hamas last week. Although injured, she remains strong and speaks out, pleading to be returned to her family.
Efforts are underway to secure the release of the remaining hostages. Negotiations involving the United States, Israel, Qatar, Egypt, and Hamas are currently ongoing, although they are complex. Contrary to rumors, US President Joe Biden has denied requesting Israel to hold off a ground invasion while hostages remain in captivity.
There have been some positive developments in hostage releases. Hamas has freed a total of four hostages since the attacks on October 7. Last Friday, two American hostages, Judith Tai Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie Raanan, were released following negotiations between Qatar and Hamas. On Monday, an 85-year-old grandmother named Yocheved Lifshitz and her neighbor and friend Nurit Cooper were also released. Lifshitz described her ordeal, stating that she “went through hell” and was taken to a network of tunnels.
The situation remains tense as negotiations continue. Families and governments are hopeful for the safe return of all the hostages and are working tirelessly towards their release.