In what marks the most emotional moment since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, Israel on Monday confirmed the return of all surviving hostages who had been held in Gaza for over two years. The last 20 living captives, released by Hamas under a mediated ceasefire deal, were received by Israeli authorities amid scenes of overwhelming relief and national celebration.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), wrote, “Welcome home,” as it listed the names of the freed hostages: Matan Angrest, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Elkana Bohbot, Rom Braslavski, Nimrod Cohen, David Cunio, Ariel Cunio, Evyatar David, Guy Gilboa Dalal, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Segev Kalfon, Bar Kuperstein, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, Yosef Haim Ohana, Alon Ohel, Avinatan Or and Matan Zangauker.
The release brings an end to the agonizing captivity of Israelis taken during Hamas’ cross-border assault that triggered a prolonged war in Gaza. Many of the hostages spent 738 days in captivity, under dire conditions marked by food scarcity, poor sanitation, and limited medical attention. Medical teams have since confirmed that most returnees require extensive physical and psychological rehabilitation.
Under the terms of the deal, Israel agreed to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including about 250 serving life sentences, while also committing to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza. In return, Hamas agreed to hand over all living hostages and to provide the bodies of 28 captives confirmed dead during the conflict.
The exchange, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, was conducted under a fragile ceasefire that saw Israeli troops pull back from several areas in Gaza to enable humanitarian access. Crowds gathered across Israel, particularly at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, waving flags and lighting candles to celebrate the homecoming.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the event as “a moment of redemption,” while cautioning that “Israel’s struggle for security and justice is far from over.” He added that efforts would continue to recover the remains of those still missing.
Internationally, the ceasefire has drawn cautious optimism. U.S. officials commended both parties for reaching the agreement, noting that it could serve as a foundation for broader peace efforts. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump, who was present in Israel, has been credited with influencing the final phase of negotiations that led to the breakthrough.
Despite the jubilant atmosphere, analysts warn that the truce remains delicate, with both sides yet to address key political and territorial disputes. Nonetheless, Israel has launched what it calls “Operation Shavim Legvulam” (Returning to Their Border) — a combined humanitarian and recovery mission aimed at bringing home the remains of the deceased and stabilizing the post-war environment in Gaza.
For families who endured nearly two years of despair, the return of their loved ones marks the end of an era of uncertainty and the beginning of a long healing process. As one relative put it during the celebrations, “Our hearts are full, but our scars remain.”