On October 13, 2025, Israel celebrated the return of the final 20 living hostages held by Hamas, marking a significant milestone in the ceasefire agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. The hostages had been in captivity for over two years, following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which resulted in the abduction of 251 individuals and the tragic loss of approximately 1,200 lives.
The release occurred in two phases. The first group of seven hostages—Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, Guy Gilboa-Dallal, and twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman—were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City at around 8 a.m. Approximately an hour later, they were transferred to Israeli forces inside Gaza. The remaining 13 hostages—Elkana Bohbot, Avinatan Or, Yosef-Haim Ohana, Evyatar David, Rom Braslavski, Segev Kalfon, Nimrod Cohen, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Matan Zangauker, Bar Kupershtein, and brothers David and Ariel Cunio—were released in Khan Younis at about 11 a.m., with the same transfer process to Israeli forces.
Upon their release, all 20 hostages appeared pale and frail but were able to stand on their own. Many had been held in tunnels deep under Gaza, enduring harsh conditions, including abuse, starvation, and limited medical care. They were initially taken to the Re’im border facility for reunification with their families and underwent medical evaluations. Subsequently, they were flown by Israeli Air Force helicopters to hospitals in central Israel for further treatment and rehabilitation. Notably, Israeli Air Force Chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar personally piloted the helicopter transporting Nimrod Cohen and his family to Sourasky Medical Center.
The release was met with widespread celebration across Israel. Tens of thousands gathered in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, waving Israeli flags, singing, and dancing. Similar scenes unfolded in Jerusalem and at the hospitals where the hostages were taken. Families expressed immense joy and relief upon reuniting with their loved ones.
Emotional Messages from Former Hostages
Ohad Ben Ami, who had been released in February under a previous ceasefire agreement, sent a heartfelt message to his former cellmates: Bohbot, Ohana, Kuperstein, Kalfon, and Herkin. He expressed his admiration and love, stating, “Elkana, Yosef, Bar, Segev, Maxim, my souls, I love you… I regained all of my weight,” he added. “I love you, you’re so strong, you held on, I’m so proud of you, I love you, love you!”
Prior to their release, Hamas facilitated video calls between the hostages and their families. In these calls, the hostages were seen accompanied by Hamas gunmen and wearing fake military uniforms, a practice previously used by Hamas in propaganda ceremonies. Israel had insisted that such ceremonies not be repeated during this release.
