Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Monday, October 23, 2023
From the Liveblog of
Monday, October 23, 2023
IDF says families of 222 hostages notified that loved ones are being held in Gaza
Families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza hold up photographs of their abducted relatives, at 'Hostage Square,' outside the Art Museum of Tel Aviv, October 21, 2023. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari says the military has so far notified the families of 222 hostages that their loved ones are being held in the Gaza Strip.
He says that the number includes a not insignificant number of foreign nationals, and that it has taken time for them to be identified and for their families to be notified.
The number does not include Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie, who were released by Hamas on Friday night.
When asked whether the ground operation is being delayed to allow more time for attempts to secure the release of further hostages, Hagari says “we are working in all ways to free the hostages and bring them home.”
You can read the stories of some of those who are captive in Gaza, here.
