What’s happening

Survivors of the hostage crisis in Gaza had their first meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the World Economic Forum in Davos. They were joined by representatives of the Hostages Families Forum.

Why it matters

This meeting underscores the ongoing concern for hostages still in captivity and the plight faced by those previously held. Guterres’ promise to remember their fates and advocate for their release is a significant gesture that carries international political weight.

Details

In a dramatic reveal, Guterres pulled a dog tag from his pocket, which symbolizes the campaign for liberating all hostages—which has gripped the Israeli consciousness.

The Context

On October 7, a raid by Hamas militants left over 1,200 Israeli civilians dead and led to the abduction of 240 individuals. In a subsequent military bid, Israel saw 105 hostages released, but the fate of others—both living and deceased—remains a critical issue for their families and the country at large.

Behind the numbers

To date, 132 of those abducted are still believed to be in Gaza, with confirmed fatalities and ongoing uncertainties around several cases. Furthermore, Hamas has retained the remains of fallen IDF soldiers and two Israeli civilians since 2014 and 2015.

In their own words

The freed hostages conveyed their haunting experiences seeking to draw global attention to their former fellow captives. The state of the remaining hostages appears dire, with reports of unsustainable, inhumane conditions put forth by those released.

Presidential insight

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, speaking at Davos, voiced the collective anxiety and preoccupation with security that overshadows current Israeli sentiment on peace deliberations.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.