Hamas released all 20 surviving Israeli hostages on Monday, marking a pivotal moment in the two-year conflict that devastated the Gaza Strip and left tens of thousands dead. The releases came as part of a comprehensive ceasefire agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump.
The hostages were freed in two separate transfers. The first group of seven captives Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Eitan Mor, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, twins Gali and Ziv Berman, and Omri Miran were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in northern Gaza. A second batch of 13 hostages followed from Khan Younis in the southern part of the territory.
Initial reports indicated the freed captives were in reasonable health, walking without medical assistance. Parents and family members expressed relief and joy as the hostages underwent medical evaluations at Israeli military facilities before reuniting with loved ones.
The releases triggered emotional scenes across Israel, where tens of thousands gathered at public screenings to watch the transfers unfold. Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, which has served as a focal point for advocacy throughout the conflict, erupted in celebration as news broke of the successful handovers.
In reciprocal action, Israel began releasing approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli detention facilities. Buses were spotted outside Ofer military prison in the occupied West Bank, where many detainees awaited freedom. The prisoners include 250 individuals serving life sentences and 1,700 arrested during the war without formal charges.
Palestinians gathered outside medical facilities in Khan Younis and other locations, waiting to welcome returning detainees. Yasser Abu Azzoum, whose son Mohammed was among those to be released, described the moment as indescribable and overwhelming.
President Trump arrived in Israel hours after the releases began, receiving a standing ovation at the Knesset, Israel's parliament. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump as "the greatest friend" Israel has had in the White House, crediting his leadership for making the breakthrough possible.
Trump is scheduled to travel to Egypt to co-chair a summit on the ceasefire agreement with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt announced it would award Trump its highest civilian honor, the Order of the Nile, for his role in ending the conflict.
While the living hostages have returned home, questions remain about 28 others believed to be deceased. Israeli authorities said recovering these remains could take time, as not all burial locations are known.
The war, which began after Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, claimed at least 67,806 Palestinian lives according to Gaza health authorities, and left the territory in ruins. The ceasefire is expected to enable a surge of humanitarian assistance into the devastated enclave, where famine conditions have emerged.
Netanyahu declared the outcome "a victory over Hamas," though significant uncertainty surrounds Gaza's future governance and security arrangements. International leaders are scheduled to address these complex questions at the Egypt summit, as the region attempts to build lasting peace after years of bloodshed.
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