The military wing of Hamas said it had lost contact with two hostages in Gaza and demanded a 24-hour ceasefire from Israel.

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Hamas says it has lost contact with two Israeli hostages

The military wing of Hamas, the Qassam Brigades, said on Sunday that it had lost contact with two Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip. In a statement, the group called on Israel to withdraw its forces from the Sabra and Tel al-Hawa neighborhoods and to halt airstrikes for 24 hours so that militants could reach the hostages.

The Israeli military did not respond directly to the demand, but it did announce future attacks on Hamas positions in the areas and ordered residents to leave their homes immediately. Tank units have advanced deeper into Sabra, Tel al-Hawa, and the neighboring neighborhoods of Sheikh Radwan and al-Nasser.

Dead and trapped

The Gaza Health Ministry said Israeli fire had killed at least 77 people in the past 24 hours. Rescue workers say they are unable to reach dozens of wounded because Israel has rejected 73 requests for evacuation through international organizations.

Local residents describe entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. People are being forced to take shelter in subways, basements, and makeshift camps, while the western Gaza Strip is crowded with hundreds of thousands of displaced people.

Political background

The news of the hostages comes ahead of a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump. Washington insists on a diplomatic solution, but Netanyahu demands Hamas surrender or the complete destruction of the group.

Hamas has rejected the possibility of laying down its arms, saying the struggle will continue until the Palestinians have their own state. At the same time, talk is growing in Gaza about the possibility of new negotiations, although the group has not yet received any official proposals.

Hostages as a factor in the war

The war began in October 2023 after a Hamas attack on Israeli territory, which killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. According to Netanyahu, 48 hostages currently remain in Gaza, 20 of whom are alive.

Voronin Dmitriy

Dmitriy Voronin is a Senior Editor at Scopex, focusing on world news, global politics, and major economic stories.

He joined Scopex in 2025 and helps readers make sense of fast-moving events around the world. Before that, he spent four years working with international media and tech projects, helping to explain big topics in clear, engaging ways.

Dmitriy’s strength is breaking down complex issues, whether it's global conflicts, market shifts, or tech developments, and showing why they matter. At Scopex, he brings important stories to life and helps readers stay ahead of the news.