After 737 days in captivity, Hamas has released all 20 surviving Israeli hostages under a long-awaited deal with Israel aimed at ending the two-year war between the two sides.
The release took place in two stages, with the first group of seven hostages already handed over to Israeli authorities and undergoing medical checks in hospital. The freed individuals include Gali Berman, 28, Ziv Berman, 27, Matan Angrest, 22, Alon Ohel, 24, Omri Miran, 47, Eitan Mor, 25, and Guy Gilboa-Dallal, 23.
Shortly after, a second group of 13 captives was released into the custody of the International Committee of the Red Cross. They are expected to leave Gaza soon and be reunited with their families in Israel.
The first images released by Israeli authorities showed Gali Berman and Alon Ohel standing and speaking to Israeli soldiers shortly after their release, confirming their safe recovery. Their physical and psychological condition has not yet been disclosed.
Family members and friends of the hostages erupted in celebration as the news broke across Israeli media. Television stations aired emotional scenes of relatives embracing and rejoicing, though officials stressed that medical assessments were still underway for all returnees.
In addition to the 20 living hostages, the agreement includes the return of the remains of 28 Israeli citizens who were killed during their time in captivity. However, Israeli authorities have stated they do not expect all the remains to be handed over immediately.
In return, Israel will release 2,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of the swap deal. The terms of the agreement mark one of the most significant diplomatic breakthroughs since the beginning of the conflict.
While the release operation was still ongoing, former U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on a diplomatic visit. Trump is scheduled to meet with the families of the hostages, address lawmakers at the Knesset (Israel’s parliament), and then travel to Egypt for a regional peace summit aimed at stabilising the region.
The hostage release comes amid growing international pressure for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief in Gaza.
