As part of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, Hamas has handed over the remains of four hostages to Israel. In return, Israel has released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. This exchange marks the final phase of the ceasefire, with negotiations for the next phase yet to be determined.
During this stage of the ceasefire, a total of 33 Israelis were freed, including eight who had been killed in captivity or during the triggering attack on October 7, 2023. Additionally, five Thai hostages were released separately.
The October 7 attack led to the abduction of 251 individuals by Hamas-led militants, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 48,000 Palestinians in Gaza, with a majority being women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Israel has released close to 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in exchange for the hostages during the first phase of the ceasefire.
Hostage Details:
- Total captured on October 7, 2023: 251
- Hostages taken before the October 7 attack: 2 individuals who entered Gaza in 2014 and 2015, and the bodies of 2 soldiers killed in the 2014 war
- Hostages released in exchanges or other deals: 147, including 8 who were deceased
- Hostages still in captivity: 59, with Israel declaring 32 as deceased
- Bodies of hostages retrieved by Israeli troops: 41
- Hostages rescued alive: 8
Among the hostages still in captivity are 13 soldiers, with Israel confirming 9 as deceased, and 5 non-Israelis (3 Thais, 1 Nepalese, 1 Tanzanian), of whom 2 (1 Thai and 1 Nepalese) are believed to still be alive.
For more updates on the ongoing conflict, follow AP’s war coverage at AP News.
