48 Hostages Remain as Debate Intensifies Over Gaza's Post-Hamas Governance and IDF's Future Role

Discussions surrounding the future of the Gaza Strip and the ongoing role of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified, particularly concerning the remaining hostages and the prospect of stable governance following the extensive military campaign against Hamas. As of September 2025, 48 hostages, including both living and deceased individuals, reportedly remain in Hamas captivity, with 20 believed to be alive. This figure is set against the backdrop of 207 hostages who have either been returned or recovered since the October 7, 2023, attacks.

The IDF's stated objectives in Gaza include the complete destruction of Hamas's military and governance capabilities, the return of all hostages, and the establishment of an alternative civilian administration distinct from both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. While the IDF has achieved operational control over approximately 75% of the Strip and claims to have eliminated over 2,100 terrorists, Hamas retains some operational capacity, reportedly shifting to "guerrilla mode" in certain areas. The group's leadership has been severely impacted by Israeli operations, including the assassinations of key figures like Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar.

Amidst these developments, a prominent social media commentary by Rachel Gur highlighted a critical perspective on Gaza's trajectory. Gur stated in a tweet, > "The sad irony is that the IDF was Gaza’s only hope for a better future. No one else will expend blood to defeat Hamas. Now that the hostages are (mostly) free Israelis are done dying in a thankless campaign to defeat Hamas. And so Gaza will sink back into the mire of Hamas." This sentiment underscores concerns about the sustainability of efforts to prevent Hamas's resurgence.

Internationally, the Biden administration has advocated for a "revitalized" Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza post-conflict, a proposal that Israel has rejected. The global community remains divided on the "day after" scenario, with suggestions ranging from a UN-led interim administration to an Arab peacekeeping force. Israel's leadership has emphasized the need for its security control over the Strip and the establishment of a new civilian authority to prevent a return to previous conditions.