Key Facts About the 5 Hostages Still Missing in Gaza

As the ongoing conflict continues in Gaza, the situation surrounding the five remaining hostages remains dire. Their fate has raised significant concerns following a recent ceasefire that began on October 10, 2023. While some remains have been returned, many families are still waiting for answers and closure.

Overview of the Hostage Situation

Palestinian militants have released the remains of 23 hostages during the ceasefire. However, the remains of five individuals remain unreleased. Hamas claims challenges in retrieving the hostages’ remains due to rubble caused by a two-year military offensive by Israel.

Israel has accused Hamas of delaying the process and has threatened to renew military action or restrict humanitarian aid if the situation does not improve.

Casualties and Exchange Details

• Hamas returned the remains of Lior Rudaeff, an Israeli who died during combat on October 7, 2023.
• Israel reciprocated by returning 285 Palestinian bodies, though their identities are largely undisclosed.
• Health authorities in Gaza are struggling to identify returned bodies, with only 84 identified so far.

Profiles of the Five Missing Hostages

Meny Godard (73)

Meny Godard was a former professional soccer player and a veteran of the Israeli military. On October 7, his home was set ablaze, and he and his wife, Ayelet, were targeted by militants. Tragically, Ayelet was killed after informing their children about Meny’s death. They are survived by four children and six grandchildren.

Hadar Goldin (23)

The remains of Hadar Goldin have been held since before the recent conflict. An Israeli soldier, Goldin was killed on August 1, 2014, after a ceasefire had been established. His family has marked significant milestones in his absence, including 4,000 days since his body was taken.

Ran Gvili (24)

Ran Gvili, who served in an elite police unit, was recovering from an injury when the intense conflict escalated. He died while attempting to assist his fellow officers on October 7. He confirmed his passing four months later and is survived by his parents and sister.

Dror Or (52)

Dror Or served as a manager at a dairy farm in Kibbutz Be’eri. On October 7, militants set fire to his home while his family sought shelter inside. Both Dror and his wife, Yonat, perished in the incident. Their two surviving children were later abducted but released during the ceasefire.

Sudthisak Rinthalak

Sudthisak Rinthalak was an agricultural worker from Thailand with a longstanding employment history in Israel. He was among the 31 workers kidnapped on October 7, which was the largest group of foreign nationals taken hostage. The Thai Foreign Ministry has reported additional casualties, with 46 Thai nationals killed in the conflict.

As the world watches, the situation for the remaining hostages continues to evolve. The urgency for resolution and accountability becomes more pressing with each passing day.