Seven Americans are among the almost 100 captives remaining in custody in Gaza following an Oct. 7, 2023, attack by terrorists led by Hamas. Four of the seven have been confirmed deceased by Israeli officials. As part of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, Hamas has promised to release over three dozen hostages, including two who are still alive.

As part of the agreement, Israel is likely to release an increased number of Palestinian detainees. The Biden administration has been making a final push for the release of American hostages, and President-elect Donald Trump has warned that there will be “hell” to pay if they are not released. Following the news of the ceasefire on Wednesday, the families of American captives in Gaza praised Presidents Biden and Trump for their efforts and expressed hope that “under President Trump’s leadership, every last hostage will come home.”

Alexander, from New Jersey, volunteered to join the Israeli military after graduating from high school. He was kidnapped on October 7, 2023, during a Hamas-led onslaught on Israel. On November 30, 2024, Hamas published an undated video of Alexander pleading with President-elect Trump for his release, indicating that the film was recorded lately.

Chen, a former Boy Scout serving in Israel’s military, was murdered near the Gaza border on October 7, 2023. His body was carried into Gaza, and Israeli authorities verified his death in March

Dekel-Chen, a project manager for the British humanitarian organization JNF UK, alerted others at Kibbutz Nir Oz about the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, and ensured his wife Avital and their children’s safety before returning to aid the kibbutz security team. He was last heard from at 9:30 a.m. that day. During his captivity, his wife gave birth to their third daughter. Dekel-Chen is among the hostages that Hamas claims will be released.

U.S. and Israeli citizen Gad Haggai was killed in Kibbutz Nir Oz and his body taken by Hamas-led fighters to Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023. He was a retired chef and jazz musician with four children and seven grandchildren.

Judi, a citizen of the United States, Canada, and Israel, was married to Gad Haggai, who taught English, mindfulness, and anxiety management to pupils. Hamas-led gunmen assassinated the couple during a morning walk near their kibbutz and transported their bodies back to Gaza

Neutra, who was born in New York, was assassinated by Hamas militants and his body taken hostage on October 7, 2023, near Kibbutz Nir Oz. He worked as a tank commander in the Israeli military. His death was officially verified last month.

Siegel, an occupational therapist from North Carolina, moved to Israel from the United States around 40 years ago and settled on Kibbutz Kfar Aza. He and his wife Aviva were kidnapped from the kibbutz on October 7, 2023, and Aviva was returned during a ceasefire the next month. The couple has four kids and five grandchildren. Siegel appeared in a Hamas video dated April 27, 2024.