A year after Hamas’s attack on Israel and the abduction of hundreds, a significant agreement has been reached for the release of some hostages. Following a timeline of violence, failed negotiations, and public outcry, a tentative deal was confirmed on January 15, 2025, allowing for the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Ongoing discussions aim to address the fate of the remaining hostages, with 98 still unaccounted for in Gaza.
Over a year has passed since Hamas launched a devastating attack on Israel, leading to the abduction of hundreds of individuals. Now, a deal has been struck for the release of some hostages, marking a significant milestone after a tumultuous journey. Here’s a detailed timeline of events.
October 7, 2023. The day dawns with sirens blaring as the terrorist group Hamas, alongside other militant factions, launches a coordinated assault on Israel. The attack results in the tragic deaths of over 1,200 people in communities adjacent to the Gaza Strip, accompanied by acts of violence, looting, and arson. Approximately 250 individuals are taken hostage and transported to Gaza.
In retaliation, Israel responds with airstrikes on Gaza and mobilizes reservists. Reports indicate that the ensuing conflict and bombings will lead to over 45,000 Palestinian casualties in the following months, alongside more than 100,000 injuries.
Israel outlines the dismantling of Hamas and the safe return of hostages as key objectives in its military campaign.
Challenges in Reaching an Agreement
End of November 2023. Israel consents to a temporary ceasefire lasting several days, allowing for the release of 240 Palestinians from Israeli prisons through international mediation. In return, 105 hostages are liberated from their captors.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the nation, stating, ‘We have brought back some of our children, mothers, and women. But I assure you, the families and citizens of Israel: We are resolute in our mission to bring back all those who have been abducted.’
Following this brief pause, hostilities in Gaza resume, and negotiations for a new agreement continue. Representatives from the USA, Egypt, and Qatar work tirelessly to mediate the talks. Despite numerous close calls, a formal agreement remains elusive.
A former hostage shares her harrowing experiences endured alongside her daughter while in Hamas’s custody.
Relatives Demand Action
Mid-December 2023. Amidst ongoing fighting in northern Gaza, Israeli forces inadvertently shoot three hostages, resulting in widespread shock across Israel.
In response, citizens mobilize weekly to demand a new agreement, displaying posters featuring the names and faces of the abducted. Relatives and supporters chant, ‘Bring them Home now!’ as they express growing frustration with the government’s failure to secure a new deal. They criticize Netanyahu for allegedly stalling negotiations with excessive demands, prioritizing his political survival over the hostages’ return. His far-right allies, led by Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, threaten to dismantle the coalition if any new arrangements are made with Hamas.
Biden’s Attempt Falls Short
Meanwhile, the Israeli military escalates its operations in densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip, first advancing in the north and later targeting the southern city of Rafah. The airstrikes intensify, while humanitarian aid remains critically insufficient, forcing nearly the entire population of Gaza to flee.
May 2024. Israel gains control over the Philadelphia Corridor, a demilitarized zone along the Egyptian border, which becomes a contentious issue in negotiations as Israel seeks to retain control post-conflict, a demand that Hamas opposes.
During the same month, U.S. President Joe Biden unveils an Israeli proposal for a hostage agreement: a six-week ceasefire followed by a permanent truce and the subsequent reconstruction of Gaza. ‘It is time for this war to end,’ Biden declares. ‘And for the ‘day after’ to commence.’
Unfortunately, this plan fails to materialize.
Numerous challenges persist in achieving a resolution in the Middle East conflict, alongside substantial obstacles that remain.
Limited Hostage Recoveries
June 8, 2024. In a major military operation, the Israeli army successfully rescues four hostages from Nuseirat in central Gaza, individuals who were abducted during the attack on October 7 at the Nova music festival near Re’im. Reports indicate that over 200 people died during this military engagement, although this number remains unverified. The pressure on the Israeli government continues to mount.
Overall, Israel manages to rescue only a handful of hostages alive through military efforts during the conflict, with others being recovered deceased from Gaza.
August 20, 2024. During an operation in Khan Yunis, Israeli forces find the bodies of six abducted individuals.
Progress in Negotiations
September 1, 2024. Near Rafah, Israeli troops recover the bodies of six more abducted individuals, with reports indicating they were alive shortly before the army’s arrival.
In Tel Aviv and other cities, tens of thousands rally to advocate for an agreement aimed at bringing home the remaining hostages. Approximately 100 individuals are still held captive in Gaza, with uncertainty surrounding their fate.
October 16, 2024. The Hamas leader, Jihia Sinwar, is killed by an Israeli sniper in Rafah. His death raises hopes among many Israelis that a breakthrough in negotiations may finally be achievable after months of stagnation.
In the weeks that follow, genuine progress appears to be made in the discussions, with meetings taking place between mediators in Doha and Cairo.
Finalizing the Hostage Deal
As the fighting continues, Hamas’s position weakens, as does that of its main ally, Iran, following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, while Hezbollah in Lebanon has agreed to a ceasefire with Israel.
By January, reports suggest a forthcoming breakthrough in negotiations—over a year since the last agreement.
On January 15, 2025, multiple media outlets confirm that Israel and Hamas have reached a tentative agreement. In the initial phase of the ceasefire, 33 Israeli hostages are set to be released within six weeks in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, with ongoing negotiations for subsequent phases and additional hostage releases.
Israeli reports indicate that 98 hostages remain in Gaza at this time, with uncertainty surrounding their survival.
An agreement has finally been reached between Israel and the militant group Hamas in negotiations held in Doha.