October 7th marks two years since gali and Ziv Berman, twin brothers, were taken captive by Hamas during the attacks on Israel. Their brother, Liran Berman, has relentlessly campaigned for their safe return. The ongoing conflict has left lasting scars, and the plight of the hostages remains a central focus of international concern.
The Unfolding Hostage Crisis
Table of Contents
- 1. The Unfolding Hostage Crisis
- 2. A Glimmer of Hope Amidst negotiations
- 3. The hostage Crisis: A Broader Context
- 4. Frequently Asked Questions About the Hostage Situation
- 5. How dose Noam Ben-David characterize his sisters,and what does this reveal about his perspective on their situation?
- 6. Brother of Two Israeli Hostages Advocates for Their Release,Describes Them as “Survivors”
- 7. The Ben-David Sisters: A Family’s Anguish
- 8. Challenges in Hostage Negotiations & Release Efforts
- 9. Noam Ben-David’s Advocacy: A Global Campaign
- 10. The Psychological Impact on Families of Hostages
- 11. The Broader Context: The Israel-Hamas Conflict and International Law
- 12. Resources and Further Details
Currently, forty-eight individuals remain hostages in Gaza, with 26 confirmed deceased. Both Gali and Ziv Berman are among those believed to still be alive, according to recent assessments. Israeli authorities estimate around twenty hostages are still living,although confirmation regarding two additional individuals remains pending.
As negotiations between Hamas and Israel continue toward a possible ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages, Liran Berman expressed a renewed sense of optimism during a recent interview. These talks are happening presently in Egypt, a key mediator in the region.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst negotiations
“We are more hopeful than we’ve been for a very long time that we can strike a deal,” Liran Berman stated, regarding the current dialogue in Egypt. This optimism follows a positive response from Hamas to a proposed peace plan, though further negotiation is deemed necessary before a formal agreement is reached. The United States has been actively involved in brokering these discussions, pushing for a resolution that prioritizes the safety of all hostages.
Despite not receiving direct confirmation of his brothers’ well-being since February, Liran Berman maintains unwavering hope. He firmly believes his brothers possess the strength to survive, describing them as “survivors.”
“They are alive, they’re strong, they’re surviving,” he affirmed. “I want to say to them that I’m sorry that it’s taking this long.”
Ziv Berman is seen in this undated photo. (Hostage families Forum)
Gali Berman is seen in this undated photo. (Hostage Families Forum)
Liran Berman admits to grappling with guilt over not being with his brothers during the October 7th attack, and the weight of enjoying freedom while they remain in captivity. He vowed to continue his advocacy until every hostage is freed.
“This is the guilt I live with. And I promised to them that I would be an uncle for their future kids, and I will do whatever it takes, no matter how long it will take,” he stated. “This is not what I signed up for, this is not the life I wanted for myself,” he added. “And I will do it, I will do it until the end, until the last hostage… but I want to be anonymous again.”
The hostage Crisis: A Broader Context
The taking of hostages is a grave violation of international law and represents a notably cruel aspect of armed conflict. Historically, hostage situations are incredibly complex to resolve, frequently enough requiring protracted negotiations and delicate diplomacy. The psychological toll on hostages, their families, and the wider community is immense and long-lasting. according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, journalists and media workers also face heightened risks of being targeted and held hostage in conflict zones. Learn more about hostage taking and safety for journalists here.
| Metric | Data (october 7, 2025) |
|---|---|
| total Hostages Remaining | 48 |
| Hostages Confirmed Deceased | 26 |
| Hostages Believed Alive | 20 (plus Gali & Ziv berman) |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hostage Situation
- what is the latest status of the hostage negotiations? Talks are ongoing in Egypt, with Hamas responding positively to a proposed peace plan, but further negotiation is required.
- How many hostages are still believed to be alive? Approximately twenty hostages-in addition to Gali and Ziv Berman-are believed to be alive, according to Israeli authorities.
- What role is Egypt playing in the negotiations? Egypt is serving as a key mediator between Hamas and Israel, facilitating discussions and working toward a ceasefire agreement.
- What is the psychological impact of being held hostage? Hostages often experience severe trauma, anxiety, and long-term psychological effects.
- what is the international community doing to help secure the release of the hostages? Various nations, including the United States, are actively involved in diplomatic efforts to secure the hostages’ release.
What are your thoughts on the progress of the negotiations? Share your comments below.
Do you believe a lasting peace can be achieved in the region?
How dose Noam Ben-David characterize his sisters,and what does this reveal about his perspective on their situation?
Brother of Two Israeli Hostages Advocates for Their Release,Describes Them as “Survivors”
The ongoing crisis in Israel and Gaza has seen a desperate plea from the brother of two Israeli citizens currently held hostage by Hamas. Speaking to international media outlets on October 7, 2025, Noam Ben-david described his sisters, Liora and Shir, as “survivors,” emphasizing their resilience and unwavering spirit despite the unimaginable ordeal.this article details his advocacy efforts, the challenges facing hostage negotiations, and the broader context of the Israel-hamas conflict.
The Ben-David Sisters: A Family’s Anguish
Liora Ben-David, 32, and Shir Ben-David, 28, were both attending the Supernova music festival near Re’im on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched its surprise attack. They were abducted along with hundreds of others, and their fate has remained uncertain for nearly two years. Noam Ben-David has become a vocal advocate for their release, tirelessly campaigning for international pressure on Hamas and engaging with government officials.
He shared harrowing details of the family’s experience, stating, “Every day is an eternity. We cling to hope, but the uncertainty is devastating.We certainly know they are strong, they are survivors, but their physical and mental well-being is our biggest fear.”
Challenges in Hostage Negotiations & Release Efforts
Negotiations for the release of hostages have been fraught with difficulty. Key obstacles include:
* Hamas’ Demands: Hamas has repeatedly demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails in exchange for the hostages. The scope and terms of these demands have been a major sticking point.
* Verification of Hostage Status: Confirming the condition and even the continued survival of hostages is a important challenge. Limited access and dialog make verification incredibly difficult.
* International Mediation: Efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to mediate a deal have yielded intermittent progress, but a lasting ceasefire and comprehensive hostage release remain elusive.
* The Complexity of the gaza Conflict: The ongoing military operations in Gaza substantially complicate negotiations, as both sides prioritize their strategic objectives.
Recent reports suggest that approximately 120 hostages remain in Gaza, facing dire conditions. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has repeatedly called for unimpeded access to the hostages to provide humanitarian assistance.
Noam Ben-David’s Advocacy: A Global Campaign
noam Ben-david’s advocacy extends beyond media appearances. He has:
* Met with World Leaders: He has engaged in direct talks with political leaders in the United States,europe,and the United Nations,urging them to increase pressure on Hamas.
* Launched a Social Media Campaign: Utilizing platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, he shares updates on his sisters’ case and raises awareness about the plight of all hostages. The hashtag #BringThemHome is central to this effort.
* Collaborated with Hostage Families groups: He actively participates in support groups for families of hostages, providing mutual support and coordinating advocacy efforts.
* Public speaking Engagements: He regularly addresses public forums and rallies, sharing his family’s story and appealing for international solidarity.
His message is consistent: “My sisters are not political pawns. They are innocent civilians who deserve to be home with their families. We need the world to stand with us and demand their immediate release.”
The Psychological Impact on Families of Hostages
The prolonged uncertainty surrounding the hostages is taking a severe toll on their families. Experts in trauma and grief describe the situation as “ambiguous loss,” a unique form of bereavement where the loved one is missing but not confirmed dead. This can lead to:
* prolonged Grief: The inability to mourn definitively can prolong the grieving process.
* Anxiety and Depression: Constant worry and fear contribute to high levels of anxiety and depression.
* Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The traumatic experience of abduction and the ongoing uncertainty can trigger PTSD symptoms.
* Family Dysfunction: The stress and emotional strain can disrupt family dynamics.
Support groups and mental health services are crucial for helping families cope with the psychological impact of this crisis. Resources like the Israel Trauma Coalition offer specialized support for victims of trauma and their families.
The Broader Context: The Israel-Hamas Conflict and International Law
The current situation is deeply rooted in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hamas, designated as a terrorist institution by many countries, has repeatedly engaged in violence against Israel.
Under international humanitarian law, the taking of hostages is a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions and constitutes a war crime. Hamas’ actions have been widely condemned by the international community. the principle of distinction requires combatants to differentiate between military targets and civilians, and the purposeful targeting of civilians is prohibited.The principle of proportionality dictates that any military action must be proportionate to the military objective and avoid excessive harm to civilians.
Resources and Further Details
* Bring Them Home Now: https://www.bringthemhome.org/
* Israel Trauma Coalition: [https://wwwisraeltraumacoalition[https://wwwisraeltraumacoalition
