48 Hostages Remain in Gaza as 716 Days Mark October 7 Abductions

Jerusalem – As of September 22, 2025, exactly 716 days have passed since the October 7, 2023, attacks, with 48 individuals still held captive by terror groups in the Gaza Strip. The grim milestone was highlighted by advocates, including Aviva Klompas, who posted on social media, "It's been 716 days too many 🎗️," reflecting widespread anguish over the prolonged captivity.

Of the 251 people initially abducted by Hamas-led terrorists on October 7, 2023, Israeli officials confirm that 48 hostages remain. This number includes 47 individuals taken during the initial assault, alongside the body of an IDF soldier captured in 2014. Authorities believe 20 of these hostages are still alive, with grave concerns for the well-being of two others, while the bodies of at least 28 have been confirmed deceased.

Efforts to secure their release have been ongoing, with intense negotiations involving mediators such as Qatar and Egypt. Recent reports indicate that Israeli defense chiefs have urged the government to accept a current ceasefire and hostage release deal, warning that "military pressure kills hostages," according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. Protests demanding a deal have continued, with a major rally in Tel Aviv on August 26, 2025, drawing large crowds.

The situation remains deeply intertwined with the broader conflict in Gaza, which has seen continued Israeli military operations. International bodies and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called for the immediate and unconditional release of all captives, emphasizing the severe impact on families and regional stability. The prolonged captivity underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the humanitarian crisis and the safe return of all those held.