A powerful story of hope and resilience unfolds as we delve into the identities of the 20 Gaza hostages believed to be alive, awaiting their release. This is a tale of families torn apart, yet filled with unwavering determination.
The Long-Awaited Homecoming
In the aftermath of the devastating Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, 251 individuals were abducted and taken into Gaza. Now, after more than two years of anguish, Israeli officials have confirmed that 20 of the remaining 48 hostages are still alive and expected to be released on Monday. This news has brought a glimmer of hope to the families and the nation.
But here's where it gets controversial... While the potential release of these hostages is a cause for celebration, it also raises questions about the terms of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Some argue that the exchange of prisoners could set a dangerous precedent, while others see it as a necessary step towards peace.
Let's uncover the stories of these brave individuals and the families who have fought tirelessly for their return.
Alon Ohel: A Musician's Captivity
Alon Ohel, a 24-year-old musician and pianist, was kidnapped from the Nova music festival. His parents, prominent advocates for the hostages, have left a trail of pianos across Israel, each bearing a powerful message: "You are not alone." In a heart-wrenching interview with NPR, Alon's mother, Idit, expressed her unwavering belief in her son's survival, saying, "I know he's alive because I'm his mother, and my instincts tell me so."
The Cunio Brothers: A Family's Resilience
Ariel (28) and David (35) Cunio, brothers from Kibbutz Nir Oz, were abducted alongside their wives and children. While their families were freed in earlier deals, the brothers remained in captivity. Their mother, Sylvia, has embodied resilience, stating, "I stay optimistic because it's the only way to keep going. I just want my boys back home."
Avinatan Or: A Defining Image
Avinatan Or, 32, was kidnapped from the Nova festival along with his partner, Noa Argamani. Footage of their abduction, showing Hamas gunmen separating them, became an iconic image of the October 7th attacks. In March 2025, released hostages brought a sign of life from Avinatan, offering a glimmer of hope to his family.
Bar Kupershtein: A Breadwinner's Fate
Bar Kupershtein, the eldest of five siblings and the family's primary income earner, was abducted while working at the Nova festival. Passionate about motorcycles, Bar was last seen in a Hamas video alongside Maksim Harkin. His family's anxiety has been palpable, yet they remain hopeful.
Elkana Bohbot: A Mother's Exhaustion
Elkana Bohbot, 36, was working at the Nova music festival when he was abducted. Several videos of him in captivity have surfaced, with his mother expressing her exhaustion and desperation. In a recent interview, she said, "I just want to see the headline that announces their return. I've lost my sanity waiting for this day."
Eitan Horn: Brothers in Captivity
Eitan Horn, 39, was kidnapped alongside his brother Yair from Kibbutz Nir Oz. While Yair was released earlier this year, Eitan remains in captivity. The brothers reportedly fled through tunnels during Israeli airstrikes, a testament to their resilience. Eitan's family, though relieved for Yair, remains deeply anxious for his return.
Eitan Mor: A Barista's Dream
Eitan Mor, the eldest of eight siblings, worked as a barista and dreamed of opening his own café. Kidnapped from the Nova festival, he was described by released hostages as a morale booster, even confronting captors on behalf of others. His family, opposed to compromise deals with Hamas, has become a vocal part of the hostages' families' movement.
Evyatar David: A Friend's Ordeal
Evyatar David, 24, was kidnapped alongside his friend Guy Gilboa Dalal. In August 2025, Hamas released shocking videos of Evyatar, showing him emaciated and digging his own grave. His friend Guy, who managed to escape, described the agonizing moments of their abduction. The footage sparked nationwide outrage and dismay.
Gali and Ziv Berman: Twin Brothers' Fate
Gali and Ziv Berman, twin brothers from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, were abducted from their home on October 7th. Lovers of soccer and travel, they ran a sound and lighting company together. Released hostages reported that as of February 2025, the brothers were alive but held separately, a devastating reality for their older brother Liran.
Guy Gilboa-Dalal: An Anime Enthusiast's Struggle
Guy Gilboa-Dalal, an animation and anime enthusiast, was abducted from the Nova festival alongside his close friend Evyatar David. His brother Gal managed to escape, providing a glimmer of hope. Guy, according to released hostages, endured severe abuse and starvation, leaving him in a critical state.
Maxim Herkin: A Dual National's Plight
Maxim Herkin, an Israel-Russian dual national, was abducted from the Nova festival, where two of his close friends were killed. A father and partner, he has had no contact with his family since the day of his abduction. In May 2025, Hamas released a video showing him pale and thin, prompting his mother to declare, "I won't say thank you until I have my son back."
Matan Angrest: A Soldier's Resilience
Matan Angrest, a 22-year-old soldier, was captured when his tank was attacked by Hamas near the Gaza perimeter fence. A sports enthusiast, he reportedly endured abuse and interrogations. His family awaits his return, hoping for his physical and mental well-being.
Matan Zangauker: A Couple's Separation
Matan Zangauker, 25, was abducted from his home at Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his partner, Ilana Gritzewsky. Their home was among the first targeted by Hamas. Matan's mother, a leading voice for the hostages' families, has become an inspiration for many.
Nimrod Cohen: A Nature Lover's Captivity
Nimrod Cohen, a 20-year-old soldier, was taken from his tank during the October 7th attacks near the Nirim kibbutz. A nature enthusiast, he is alive but in poor condition. His mother, Viki, expressed her relief and hope after the ceasefire, writing, "My child, you are coming home."
Omri Miran: A Therapist's Abduction
Omri Miran, a 48-year-old shiatsu therapist, was abducted from his home in Nahal Oz in front of his family. He is the oldest living hostage still held in Gaza. His father, Dani Miran, has become a leading advocate for the hostages' release, expressing his joy and relief at the prospect of his son's return.
Rom Braslavski: A Soldier's Struggle
Rom Braslavski, a 21-year-old soldier, was abducted after helping others escape at the Nova festival. In April 2025, a video showed him emaciated and in poor health. Israeli officials believe he is still alive, and his parents have been vocal advocates for the hostages.
Segev Kalfon: A Student's Anxiety
Segev Kalfon, a 27-year-old finance student, was abducted while trying to escape Hamas gunmen. Diagnosed with severe anxiety after a car accident, his mother fears for his health, stating he has been denied essential medication.
Yosef Chaim Ohana: A Bartender's Courage
Yosef Chaim Ohana, a 25-year-old bartender, was abducted from the Nova festival after risking his life to help others escape. Released hostages reported seeing him alive, and in May 2025, Hamas released a video showing him alongside fellow hostage Elkana Buchbut.
These 20 individuals, their families, and their stories, represent the human cost of conflict. Their release, if it happens, will be a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering spirit of hope.
And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about the hostages; it's about the strength and determination of the families who have fought tirelessly for their return. Their stories deserve to be heard and remembered.
What are your thoughts on this complex situation? Do you think the potential release of these hostages is a step towards peace, or does it set a dangerous precedent? Share your opinions in the comments below!
