Overview

• Over 24 of the 59 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza are believed to be alive, with more than three dozen killed during captivity or Israeli rescue operations.
• Hostages endured severe conditions, including torture, starvation, and lack of medical care, with some fatalities linked to Israeli airstrikes and crossfire.
• The Israeli government and military face criticism for prioritizing military objectives over hostage safety, while Hamas continues to exploit hostages for propaganda.
• Hamas remains operational despite heavy losses, maintaining control of Gaza and leveraging underground tunnels and stockpiled resources to evade Israeli offensives.
• Efforts to extend the ceasefire have faltered, leaving Gaza residents in dire humanitarian conditions and raising fears of renewed large-scale Israeli military operations.