Hamas' Hostage Strategy in Israel-Gaza War Revealed

Over 80 Civilians from Nir Oz Kibbutz Among 240 Hostages Taken, 35 Still in Captivity

On October 7, during the Israel-Gaza war, Hamas fighters rounded up hostages from communities across southern Israel, focusing on the kibbutz of Nir Oz.
More than 100 Palestinian militants stormed Nir Oz, leaving with about 80 of its roughly 400 residents, making up a third of the 240 hostages taken in total.
Those seized ranged in age from 9 months to 85 years, with more than half being women and children.
Evidence suggests that Hamas planned well ahead of time to target civilians, with the intent of using hostages as human shields or as currency to negotiate an exchange.
The recent release of dozens of Israeli hostages has brought new focus to Hamas' strategy, with 35 still believed to be in Gaza.