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Civilians

Amnesty International Demands Immediate Release of Civilian Hostages Held in Gaza

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Amnesty International is calling on Hamas and other armed groups to immediately and unconditionally release all civilian hostages held in captivity in the occupied Gaza Strip. Since October 7, an estimated 116 people, including 43 confirmed dead, have been held hostage, with at least 79 believed to be civilians. The hostages have been denied access to independent monitors, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and have suffered injuries and abuses while being taken captive.

Key Takeaways:

  • An estimated 116 people, including 43 confirmed dead, have been held hostage in Gaza since October 7, with at least 79 believed to be civilians.
  • The hostages have been denied access to independent monitors, including the ICRC, and have suffered injuries and abuses while being taken captive.
  • Video evidence verified by Amnesty International shows some hostages suffering injuries and abuses while being taken captive.
  • Released hostages have reported physical and psychological abuse in Gaza, including being beaten, forced to witness or participate in violent acts, and subjected to sexual violence.
  • Families of hostages have not received any information about their missing loved ones for nearly nine months, adding to the trauma and anguish of the situation.
  • Amnesty International is demanding an immediate and sustained ceasefire by all parties to put an end to the humanitarian catastrophe and ensure the protection of all civilians.
  • The organization is also calling on Hamas and other armed groups to ensure the immediate release of all civilian hostages and on Israel to facilitate the unobstructed entry and distribution of food, medicine, and other essential goods to Gaza.

Statistics:

  • 116 people are believed to be held hostage or captive in Gaza since October 7.
  • 43 people have been confirmed dead among the hostages.
  • At least 79 of the hostages are believed to be civilians.
  • 33 hostages have reportedly sent signs of life between October 7 and May 18.
  • An estimated 270 Palestinians were killed in a deadly operation by Israeli forces in al-Nuseirat refugee camp on June 8.
  • 100 people were killed in a prior rescue operation to release two hostages held in Rafah on February 12.

Sources:

  • Amnesty International press release
  • The Palestinian Ministry of Health
  • Israeli medical professionals
  • Video evidence verified by Amnesty International
  • Interviews with hostages and their families, including Ayala Metzger and Nathalie Smith.

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