The Israeli military says that 224 people are being held hostage by Hamas – but adds that the number could be higher.
Four hostages have been released so far. Two women, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifschitz, were freed on Monday 24 October. On Friday 20 October, two US hostages – a mother and daughter – were also freed.
Hamas says it has hidden the hostages in “safe places and tunnels” within Gaza. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have previously said the hostages include 20 children and between 10 and 20 over-60s.
The IDF have notified some families that their loved ones are being held hostage, while other families – whose relatives remain unaccounted for – believe they have been taken.
These are the stories of hostages taken from Israel on 7 October which have been either confirmed by the BBC or credibly reported.
Hostage crisis is toughest Israel has ever faced
This list is regularly updated and names may change, as some people feared kidnapped are confirmed to have been killed or released.
