Burden of liberation confronts ex-Israeli captive
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, approximately 50 hostages continue to languish under dire conditions, with around 28 reported deaths during captivity as of August 2025[1]. Among the hostages is Alon Ohel, whose current condition remains undisclosed in recent official reports.
The captivity of these individuals has sparked significant international concern and calls for their immediate release. Protests in Israel demand a ceasefire and an end to the war in Gaza, with the release of all hostages being a top priority[2][3]. The United Nations and other bodies have emphasized the urgent need for political solutions to secure peace and end the humanitarian crisis affecting both hostages and civilians[1].
One of the survivors, Eliya Cohen, spent 505 days in captivity in Gaza after being taken prisoner by Hamas militants. During his captivity, Cohen shared scraps of food with other hostages, including pita bread and canned beans[4]. However, Cohen's life took a tragic turn when Israel launched a wave of deadly airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, shattering the ceasefire and any hopes that Cohen would see Ohel soon.
During the attack, Cohen and his companion, Ziv Abud, hid in a concrete bomb shelter with about 30 others. However, they were found by the attackers, who threw grenades inside[4]. Cohen was wounded in the leg during the attack and lost his girlfriend's nephew and partner.
Cohen was later released to his family and found Abud alive and waiting for him. Cohen urges Netanyahu to return to the negotiating table to bring Ohel and the remaining hostages home. Cohen was at the Nova music festival with Abud when they were taken prisoner by Palestinian militants.
Cohen was held in a small, dark tunnel with three other hostages for most of his captivity, where they were bound with motorcycle chains and shared a piece of pita bread and a can of beans every day[4]. Cohen formed a close bond with fellow hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was injured during the attack and lost his left arm. Goldberg-Polin made a promise to Cohen to tell his parents that he was alive, which he was unable to keep.
Cohen's girlfriend Abud survived the bomb shelter and has been campaigning for his release. Cohen recognizes he must work to heal his physical and mental wounds, but thoughts of the remaining hostages weigh on him every day. The plan to release Cohen provoked harsh criticism inside Israel, especially from the families of the remaining 50 hostages.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, vowed to expand his military offensive further and occupy Gaza City. However, the international community and human rights organizations continue to call for diplomatic efforts focused on political resolutions for a sustainable peace and a two-State solution involving Gaza as a Palestinian state[1][2][3]. The fate of the remaining hostages hangs in the balance, with the hope that they too will be reunited with their loved ones soon.
[1] BBC News. (2025, August 1). Gaza hostage crisis: Over 50 still held by Hamas and other groups. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-58112133
[2] Al Jazeera. (2025, August 10). Israel: Thousands protest for Gaza ceasefire and hostage release. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/10/israel-thousands-protest-for-gaza-ceasefire-and-hostage-release
[3] The Guardian. (2025, August 15). UN calls for political solutions to end Gaza crisis and secure peace. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/15/un-calls-for-political-solutions-to-end-gaza-crisis-and-secure-peace
[4] The New York Times. (2025, September 10). Eliya Cohen, Gaza Hostage, Describes Ordeal and His Release. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/10/world/middleeast/eliya-cohen-gaza-hostage.html
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