Families' agonising search for answers as thousands still missing in Gaza
Ten months after a ceasefire was declared, thousands of Palestinians in Gaza are still reported missing.
Ahmed al Madhoun, a 21-year-old with Down syndrome, went missing in May 2025 after visiting a local shop during the Gaza-Israel conflict. His mother, Majdiya, fears he may be dead, but remains hopeful for his return. Over 73,000 people have died in Gaza since the Israeli military campaign began in October 2023, though the true count may be higher due to bodies buried under rubble.
The Red Cross has received over 5,000 requests to trace missing individuals who might be among the uncounted. Israeli authorities have detained roughly 7,000 Palestinians from Gaza, with around 1,300 still held without charge or trial. Families often don't learn of their loved ones' arrests, forcing them to seek help from NGOs and lawyers.
In a tragic case from Gaza City, a man named Mahmoud resembled his son and was recently photographed with Israeli soldiers, but identification remains uncertain. Both families deny any connection to militant groups. The BBC attempted to contact Israeli authorities regarding both men, but was denied access to Gaza and its detention facilities.
The lack of access, combined with the absence of lists of those held by Israel, leaves families in constant anguish, unable to find closure or peace.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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