Two years after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, Israeli authorities have confirmed that the militant group no longer holds any living hostages in captivity. The announcement marks a significant development in Israel’s prolonged campaign to rescue citizens abducted during the surprise assault that triggered months of conflict in Gaza.
Since the attacks, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted extensive military operations across the Gaza Strip, aimed at dismantling Hamas’ military infrastructure and securing the release of hostages. Officials said that without sustained military pressure, Hamas would not have agreed to previous prisoner exchanges or disclosed information about the remaining captives.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll on both sides. According to Israeli military data, 915 IDF soldiers have been killed since the start of the war, with several thousand more wounded during operations in Gaza and along Israel’s borders.
Military analysts describe the development as a strategic victory for Israel, though it comes at a deep human cost. Families of fallen soldiers gathered across Israel this week to honor their memory and pray for the recovery of the injured.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the IDF for what he described as a “painful but necessary mission” to ensure national security and prevent future attacks. “Our brave soldiers have ensured that Hamas can no longer terrorize Israeli citizens as it did on that dark day,” he said.
As the nation reflects on two years of loss and resilience, calls for lasting peace continue to echo from international partners. The Israeli government maintains that its military efforts will persist until Hamas’ operational capabilities are fully dismantled and long-term stability is restored to the region.
