The issue of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza is a recurring topic in the selected podcast episodes, which highlight the anguish and uncertainty experienced by the families of those being held.

In One War, Two Stories of Pain & Frustration, a significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the plight of Israeli hostages and the efforts to negotiate their release. Similarly, in The View from Israel, the interviewee, Tamar Harel-Santis, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the release of Israeli hostages in any potential resolution with Hamas.

The topic of Israeli hostages is closely tied to the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the protesters in The Israeli protesters trying to stop food aid getting to Gaza citing the holding of Israeli hostages as a justification for blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza.