After 738 days in captivity, Hamas released 20 living Israeli hostages on October 13, 2025, as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal, bringing immense relief and joy to their families and the nation. This milestone marks a significant step toward de-escalating the long-running conflict and has been met with widespread emotional celebrations across Israel.
The release unfolded on Monday morning when Hamas handed over the hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which facilitated their transport to Israel. Under the terms of the peace agreement signed in Egypt, world leaders from more than 20 nations gathered to formalize the deal, which also includes the release of Palestinian prisoners and a temporary halt to hostilities. President Donald Trump played a key role in brokering the accord, highlighting a rare diplomatic breakthrough after years of violence and stalled negotiations.
Among the freed hostages were individuals like Ariel Cunio, a 28-year-old software tester, and his brother David, 35, who were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. Others included Avinatan Or, 32, kidnapped from the Nova music festival alongside his girlfriend Noa Argamani, and the Berman twins, Gali and Ziv, 28, from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Many had been held since the initial assault that killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel and triggered a military response resulting in over 67,000 deaths in Gaza, according to Hamas-run health authorities.
During their captivity, the hostages endured severe conditions, including food and water shortages, untreated medical issues, and psychological trauma. Hamas and allied groups periodically released videos showing some, such as Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, in emaciated states, sparking international outrage and concerns for their survival. Families relied on updates from previously released hostages or Hamas propaganda to gauge their loved ones’ well-being, with many describing the ordeal as a prolonged nightmare.
The ceasefire agreement, negotiated over months by the Trump administration, builds on earlier truces that secured the release of some hostages but fell short of a comprehensive resolution. It outlines provisions for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and sets the stage for potential long-term peace talks, though experts note that underlying issues like Palestinian statehood and Israeli security remain unresolved. The deal’s implementation is being monitored by international observers to ensure compliance from both sides.
Emotional reunions swept Israel as hostages returned, with scenes of parents embracing children and partners reuniting after years of separation. For instance, Omri Miran, 48, was reunited with his wife and two young daughters, whom he hadn’t seen since his abduction from their home in Nahal Oz. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum described the moments as a testament to human resilience, though they emphasized that the mission isn’t complete until the bodies of deceased hostages are recovered for proper burial.
Despite the joy, the broader context of the Israel-Hamas war looms large, with ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza and political tensions in Israel. The release raises hopes for sustained peace, but analysts caution that without addressing root causes, such as territorial disputes and governance in Palestinian areas, the conflict could reignite. Next steps include supporting the hostages’ physical and psychological rehabilitation and verifying the ceasefire’s durability through continued diplomacy.
In the aftermath, Israeli communities have expressed a mix of celebration and solemn reflection, recognizing that while this chapter closes, the path to lasting stability requires further effort. The event has drawn global attention, with leaders urging both parties to build on this progress toward a more secure and peaceful future for the region.