Forty-eight people remain in Hamas captivity in Gaza, including two U.S. citizens, according to a roster published by the American Jewish Committee on Sept. 2. The list names each person by age, from teenagers to people in their 80s, including Americans Itay Chen, 19, and Omer Neutra, 21. The Associated Press reports the Israeli military believes about 20 of the 48 are still alive.
What the US plan entails and the state of talks
According to the AP, indirect negotiations in Egypt are centered on a U.S. plan that calls for an immediate halt to fighting, Israeli withdrawal after Hamas disarms, and international governance with an international security force in Gaza. The BBC reports the plan leaves open a path toward a Palestinian state, while noting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated opposition to such a state after the announcement.
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Why it matters
Hamas has said it agreed to release all remaining Israeli hostages but is seeking changes to parts of the U.S. peace plan, the BBC reported. The U.S. proposal, as reported by The Associated Press, calls for Hamas to release the remaining 48 hostages within three days.
What the documents or officials say
In a statement cited by the BBC, Hamas agreed “to release all Israeli prisoners, both living and dead, according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal,” if conditions are met. The BBC also reported that Hamas indicated it wants further talks on Gaza’s future and Palestinians’ rights, and did not mention disarmament — a key demand in the plan.
The AP reported Israel would begin preparations to implement the first phase tied to hostages’ release.
What the numbers show about the hostages
The AP reported that 251 people were abducted on Oct. 7, 2023; 148 have been released in exchanges or other deals, eight of them deceased. Israeli forces have recovered 51 bodies, and eight hostages have been rescued alive. Forty-eight reportedly remain in captivity, with the Israeli military believing 20 are still alive.
What’s next?
On Tuesday, the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack, indirect negotiations between Israeli and Hamas delegations entered their second day in Egypt.
Progress was made in Monday’s initial session, according to an Egyptian official who told the AP that both parties had agreed on most of the first-phase terms, including a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Talks, facilitated by mediators from Egypt and Qatar, were set to resume Tuesday afternoon. The White House is pushing for a swift conclusion, and a U.S. delegation, including envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is on hand and expected to formally join the talks on Wednesday. President Donald Trump told reporters there was a “really good chance” of a lasting deal, while the United Nations urged that the opportunity “must be seized to bring this tragic conflict to an end.”
