how many hostages does hamas have

Hamas currently holds about 48 hostages in the Gaza Strip as of October 2025. Of these, around 22 are reported to be alive, while intelligence suggests at least 25 of the remaining hostages may be deceased. The total number of hostages initially taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks was approximately 251. Since then, 148 hostages have been released or rescued, and 58 bodies have been returned to Israel. Hamas has recently agreed to release all the remaining hostages under a mediation plan, with negotiations reportedly underway for their release.