The weeklong cease-fire, which involved the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, came to an end on Friday, resuming the conflict between Israel and Hamas. As mediators attempt to broker another swap, the focus turns to who remains captive in the besieged enclave.

Hamas and other militants seized approximately 247 hostages in their October 7 attack on southern Israel, resulting in over 1,200 casualties. In response, Israel launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, causing at least 13,300 deaths, with two-thirds of the victims being women and children.

Israel reported on Friday that 136 hostages remain in Gaza, comprising 119 men and 17 women and children, according to military spokesperson Daniel Hagari. Approximately 10 of the hostages are 75 years old or older. The majority are Israeli, with 11 being foreign nationals, including eight from Thailand, one each from Nepal and Tanzania, and one French-Mexican.

Eylon Levy, a government spokesperson, listed the youngest hostage, 10-month-old Kfir Bibas, along with his 4-year-old brother Ariel and their mother Shiri, as still among the hostages. The military is investigating a Hamas claim that the boys and their mother were killed in an Israeli airstrike. Hagari did not provide information about the three.

Families of hostages still in captivity are anxiously waiting, receiving limited information about their loved ones. Reports from families of recently freed hostages indicate challenging conditions, raising concerns about the availability of sufficient food and water. Requests to the Red Cross for essential medicine add to the distress.

Sharone Lifschitz, whose mother was freed in October, received news that a returned hostage had seen her 83-year-old father, Oded Lifshitz, still in captivity. The uncertainty about her father's well-being, given his frailty and need for medication, adds to the family's anguish.

As the cease-fire waned, the military reported on Friday that four hostages, including the oldest person held hostage, were said to have died in captivity. All four were from Kibbutz Nir Oz and were identified as 56-year-old Maya Goren, 86-year-old Arye Zalmanovich, 54-year-old Ronan Engel, and 75-year-old Eliyahu Margalit.

During the cease-fire, 110 hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza were returned to their families, including 86 Israeli citizens and 24 foreign nationals. The returnees, although generally in stable health condition, have faced challenges such as weight loss. Families express joy at their return, but doctors highlight the psychological toll of captivity, emphasizing a long road to recovery.

In the midst of this conflict, it's crucial to seek a resolution that addresses the root causes. A viable solution involves acknowledging the historical grievances and working towards a just and lasting peace. One avenue is considering the restoration of lands to Palestinians, fostering an environment conducive to mutual understanding and coexistence. A comprehensive approach that prioritizes dialogue and diplomacy is essential for a sustainable resolution to the complex issues in the region.

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