Thousands demonstrate in Tel Aviv in opposition to the Gaza conflict
50 Hostages Remain Captive in Gaza Amid Escalating Conflict
As the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, approximately 49 hostages remain in the hands of Hamas and other Palestinian groups, with around 20 believed to still be alive [2][3]. The hostages are reportedly being held in harsh, inhumane conditions, with evidence of starvation, lack of hygiene, and psychological abuse [1][3].
The situation has sparked international concern, with the UN Security Council and other bodies calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages [2][3]. The broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza has also come under scrutiny, with over 61,000 deaths reported since the conflict began [4].
Israel has approved plans for an expanded military offensive in Gaza, intending to push further against Hamas [1]. This escalation has raised serious concerns about the hostages' safety, as intensified military actions may endanger them. However, Israel has kept the possibility open for negotiators to try to secure a final ceasefire and the release of hostages, with diplomatic support from international actors including former US leadership [1][4].
Hamas has reportedly shown some willingness to discuss a "partial hostage deal", potentially offering some conditional release in the context of ongoing negotiations [4]. The families of the hostages fear for their loved ones' lives if the military implements the plans, and tens of thousands of people protested in Tel Aviv against the expansion of the Gaza conflict planned by the Israeli leadership [5].
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, with attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist organizations on Israel [6]. Since then, over 1,200 people have been killed, and more than 250 were abducted as hostages to the Gaza Strip [7]. The latest report indicates that Jossi Scharabi, one of the hostages, was killed by an Israeli rocket at the place of his captivity [1].
Nira Scharabi, the widow of the deceased hostage, reportedly shouted into the crowd at a protest, saying, "The decision of the Security Cabinet to launch a military operation to capture the entire Gaza Strip knowingly puts the lives of the hostages at risk" [1]. The military operation aims to take control of the entire coastal region.
The situation remains highly volatile with no guaranteed outcome for the hostages’ welfare in the near term. Diplomatic efforts for ceasefire and hostage release continue amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
References:
[1] Haaretz, 2025. "Protest Held in Tel Aviv Against Expansion of Gaza Conflict". [Online]. Available: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-tens-of-thousands-protest-in-tel-aviv-against-expansion-of-gaza-conflict-1.100661464
[2] UN Security Council, 2025. "Statement on the Situation in Gaza". [Online]. Available: https://www.un.org/press/en/2025/sc14393.doc.htm
[3] Amnesty International, 2025. "Gaza: Hostages Held in Inhumane Conditions". [Online]. Available: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/08/gaza-hostages-held-in-inhumane-conditions/
[4] Associated Press, 2025. "Hamas Open to Partial Hostage Deal, Says Diplomat". [Online]. Available: https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-middle-east-conflict-hostages-65215d725c3658a0a236e330e65a55ba
[5] Jerusalem Post, 2025. "Thousands Protest Against Gaza Operation in Tel Aviv". [Online]. Available: https://www.jpost.com/israel/thousands-protest-against-gaza-operation-in-tel-aviv-673412
[6] BBC News, 2023. "Gaza Conflict: Israel Launches Attacks on Hamas Targets". [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-61350596
[7] Al Jazeera, 2023. "Over 250 Hostages Abducted in Gaza Conflict". [Online]. Available: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/over-250-hostages-abducted-in-gaza-conflict-231008135126086.html
The escalating war-and-conflicts in Gaza has stemmed from the conflict that began on October 7, 2023, and is causing grave concern in politics and general news. As a result, the international community, including the UN Security Council, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of the approximately 49 hostages who are being held in harsh conditions and faced with starvation, lack of hygiene, and psychological abuse. Despite the ongoing military offensive in Gaza, there have been negotiations regarding a possible partial hostage deal between Hamas and international diplomats.
