Israel-Gaza war: What is known about the hostages held by Hamas so far
including civilians and member of the armed forces, are under the militant group's captivity. Some of the captives are believed to be alive, and few are assumed to be killed, BBC reported military spokesperson Lt Col Jonathan Conricus as saying. Among those taken into custody include children, women and elderly, the spokesperson claimed, adding that the numbers up until now are “unimaginable", and will shape “the future" of the current round of conflict.
Also Read: What is Hamas and what does it want? Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here! Hamas has not released the exact count of Israelis held as captives, but stated that the number was “several times greater" than dozens reported by the press. Those held hostage have been taken to several locations across the Gaza Strip, the militant group was reported as saying.
Among those held hostage is senior Israeli military officer Major General Nimrod Aloni, The Telegraph reported. He was captured during the raids in southern Israel. Aloni is key to the bargaining power of Hamas, said analysts, pointing out that he heads the Israeli Defence Forces' ‘Depth Corps’, that is a unit entrusted with operations against Hamas, as well as another Islamist militant outfit Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah.
Catch live updates on Israel-Hamas conflict According to the Israeli media, scores among the captives were picked up by Hamas fighters from an outdoor rave held in the wee hours of October 7 in Kibbutz Re'im. Kibbutz is an outer suburb of southern Israel's Ofakim city, and is located close to the occupied Gaza Strip. Witnesses who spoke to local
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