Hostages Missing a Year After Hamas-Led Attack: The Stories of Those Unaccounted For

One year has passed since the violent Hamas-led attacks on Israel, and 97 hostages remain unaccounted for, their families clinging to hope amidst uncertainty. These captives, held in Gaza, include both Israelis and foreigners, taken in a series of coordinated strikes on 7th October 2023. With Hamas hostages missing, this article highlights their stories—stories of resilience, courage, and the unwavering hope of families who await their return.

The attack on Israel by Hamas in 2023 left an indelible scar on the nation. Among the hostages are young soldiers, elderly civilians, dual nationals, and foreigners, all snatched from their homes, communities, or places of work. This ongoing ordeal is felt deeply by families and friends who await news of their loved ones.

Stories of Those Hamas Hostages Still Missing

1. Emily Damari, 28 – A dual British-Israeli national taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Emily has been missing since the attack. Her mother, Mandy, recently addressed a memorial event in London, recounting how released hostages confirmed contact with Emily in captivity.
2. Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov, 28 – Captured alongside his mother Lena, partner Sapir Cohen, and grandmother Irina Tati at Kibbutz Nir Oz. While the others were freed in November 2023, Alexander’s fate remains uncertain.
3. Doron Steinbrecher, 31 – A veterinary nurse from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, she sent a chilling voice message as the attack unfolded: “They’ve arrived, they have me.” Her family continues to hope for her return.
4. Naama Levy, 20 – This young soldier was forced into a jeep with her hands bound, in a video released by Hamas that circulated widely. Naama had only recently begun her military service when she was taken.
5. Yousef Zyadna, 53 – A Bedouin dairy farmer abducted along with his sons Hamza (23) and Bilal (19) and daughter Aisha (17) from Kibbutz Holit. Aisha and Bilal were released in November 2023, but Yousef remains held in Gaza.
6. Ohad Ben Ami, 55 – Kidnapped with his wife Raz, who was later released, Ohad’s family remains in anguish, wondering if they will see him again.
7. Twin Brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, 27 – Taken from Kfar Aza, the Berman brothers’ last communication was a brief message sent by Ziv during the attack. The Israeli Defence Forces informed their family that both are likely being held in Gaza.
8. Shlomo Mansour, 86 – A native of Iraq and a resident of Kibbutz Kissufim, Shlomo managed chicken coops before he was taken. His wife escaped the attack, but his whereabouts remain unknown.
9. Daniela Gilboa, 20 – Serving at Kibbutz Nahal Oz, Daniela appeared in a Hamas hostage video in July 2024, where she implored the Israeli government to secure her release.
10. Matan Angrest, 21 – An IDF soldier on duty at the time of the attack, Matan is believed to be held in Gaza. His family anxiously awaits any updates.
11. Bipin Joshi, 23 – A Nepalese agriculture student studying in Israel, taken from Kibbutz Alumim. His family was informed by Israeli intelligence that his phone was traced to Gaza shortly after the abduction.
12. Eitan Horn, 38, and Yair Horn, 46 – Brothers originally from Argentina, Eitan and Yair were at Nir Oz during the attack. Eitan works in education, while Yair is in construction. The two were captured together, and their family holds on to hope for their release.
13. Edan Alexander, 20 – A dual Israeli-US citizen, Edan volunteered with the Israeli army and was serving near Gaza when Hamas captured him. His family received official confirmation of his abduction, yet his current status remains unknown.
14. Keith Siegel, 65 – Taken from Kfar Aza with his wife Adrienne, who was later released, Keith is among those who remain in Gaza.
15. Omer Shem Tov, 21 – Omer attended the Supernova music festival and was taken while attempting to help friends escape. The Regev siblings, with whom he was captured, were released, but Omer remains unaccounted for.
16. Yosef Ohana, 24 – Attended the festival with a friend. Reports indicate he stayed to help others flee and was later confirmed by Israeli authorities to be held in Gaza.
17. Ofer Kalderon, 53 – Captured at Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his children, Erez and Sahar, who were freed in November 2023. Ofer, however, remains a captive.
18. Thailand Nationals – Six Thai citizens—Watchara Sriuan, Bannawat Seatho, Sathian Suwannakham, Nattapong Pinta, Pongsak Tanna, and Surasak Lamnau—were among those taken by Hamas and remain in captivity. Thailand’s government continues its efforts to secure their return.

Those Who Have Died in Captivity

Tragically, several hostages have died while held captive. In early September 2024, the Israeli Defence Forces confirmed that they had recovered the bodies of six hostages, including Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, and Master Sgt Ori Danino, all reportedly killed by Hamas before the IDF could reach them. These deaths underscore the precarious nature of captivity in conflict zones and the urgent need for international intervention.

The search for the Hamas hostages missing in Gaza is a heartbreaking journey for their families, who continue to hope for their release. As the Israeli government continues working to bring them home, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) stresses the importance of international support and humanitarian efforts to ensure their safe return.

For ongoing updates on the status of these hostages and the broader context of the Gaza conflict, visit EyeOnLondon.

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