Freedom After 737 Days: All Living Israeli Hostages Released
After more than two years of captivity in Gaza, all 20 remaining living Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas as part of a ceasefire deal that marks a major turning point in the conflict.
The hostages, all men, were handed over to the Red Cross in two waves on Monday and escorted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) back to Israel, where they will undergo medical checks and be reunited with their families. The moment sparked scenes of joy across the country, especially in Tel Aviv’s "Hostages Square," where tens of thousands gathered to watch live updates.
Families had waited 737 agonizing days for this. Emotional footage shared on Israeli television showed parents finally seeing their sons again—some for the first time since October 7th, 2023, when Hamas militants stormed Israeli territory, killed around 1,200 people, and took 251 others hostage.
In Tel Aviv, a wave of cheers erupted as the first group of seven hostages was confirmed to be in Red Cross hands. A second group of 13 followed later in the morning. Among those freed were Matan Zangauker, Gali and Ziv Berman, Bar Kupershtein, Omri Miran, and Matan Angrest. Omri Miran’s family called his return “a victory for an entire people.” They added: “We are at the beginning of a complex and challenging, yet moving, journey of recovery.” The hostages returned will be given a welcome kit including personal items, clothing, and electronic devices. Notes from Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife were included in each package.
The joy of the moment was mixed with sorrow for those who didn’t make it home alive. The remains of 28 Israeli hostages are expected to be returned as part of the deal.
Meanwhile, buses carrying hundreds of Palestinian prisoners left Israeli jails, heading to the West Bank and Gaza. In total, around 1,966 Palestinians—some serving sentences, others held without charge—are to be freed.
The ceasefire agreement is the first phase of a 20-point peace plan brokered largely through efforts from the U.S. President Donald Trump landed in Israel just hours after the hostages were freed, where he was greeted with chants of "Thank you, Trump!" at Hostages Square. Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he said: “As far as I’m concerned, the war is over.” Later, he wrote in the Israeli Knesset guest book: “This is my great honour – a great and beautiful day. A new beginning.”
Trump will co-chair a peace summit in Egypt alongside President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, with other world leaders expected to attend, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer called the release “the first, crucial phase in ending the war in the Middle East” and announced new UK humanitarian aid for Gaza.
The ceasefire deal also includes an Israeli military withdrawal from parts of Gaza and the opening of key crossings for aid delivery. Humanitarian organizations are preparing to send in hundreds of trucks filled with urgently needed food, water, and medical supplies.
