About 30 children were among the hostages seized by Hamas during its assault on southern Israel, according to a report from the Jerusalem Post. The incident highlights the broad reach of the operation and the urgent humanitarian concerns that followed as families waited for information and safe passages to reunite with loved ones. The number of captives has since appeared to be larger than initially expected, underscoring the scale of the crisis unfolding in the region.
Israeli military sources have since provided an updated estimate, indicating that roughly 200 people remain held by Hamas. This figure reflects ongoing efforts to verify detainee lists and coordinate with international partners on potential mediation and negotiations that could lead to safe releases or exchanges in the future. The situation remains fluid, with no definitive timetable for any release announced by the group at this time.
Abdel Hafiz Nofal, who previously served as Palestine’s Ambassador to Russia, noted that Hamas had not indicated any intent to release the hostages. He emphasized that the absence of a stated schedule or condition for release makes the prospects uncertain and that humanitarian priorities—such as protection of civilians and provision of medical aid—remain at the forefront of international concerns. Nofal also highlighted the importance of coordinated diplomatic channels to address the unfolding crisis and prevent further harm to civilians caught in the conflict.
Prior to his remarks, Nofal had discussed with Palestinian authorities a plan to assist the evacuation of Russian citizens from the Gaza Strip to Egypt, marking a broader international effort to safeguard foreign nationals amid the hostilities. He described recent conversations with representatives of the Russian Federation, including participants from the country’s Foreign Ministry who joined the dialogue to assess safe corridors and the status of foreign nationals in Gaza. The conversations underscored the complexity of evacuations in a densely populated area affected by combat and the need for clear, verifiable arrangements with all sides involved.
On 13 October, Stephane Dujarric, the representative of the UN Secretary-General, stated that Israel had asked for the evacuation of about 1.1 million Palestinians from the northern Gaza Strip ahead of any planned land operation. The UN reported that officials from the country had asserted the withdrawal should be completed within 24 hours, a deadline that sparked debate about feasibility and the humanitarian impact of such a rapid movement of civilians. The international community weighed the implications for protection of civilians, access to essential services, and the risk of displacement that could complicate relief efforts and future stabilization in the area.
Vasily Nebenzya, the former Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN, criticized the international body’s perceived inaction in addressing the worsening crisis in the Middle East. Nebenzya pointed to the ongoing inactivity as a barrier to timely diplomacy, noting that a more proactive approach from international institutions could help avert further casualties and create space for negotiations. His remarks reflected broader tensions over how to balance security concerns with humanitarian imperatives during periods of heightened conflict.