In a significant development of the Israel-Hamas conflict, 20 living Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas and returned to Israel, while the return of deceased hostages’ bodies remains a contentious issue under the newly implemented ceasefire. This event, part of a U.S.-brokered agreement, brings hope for de-escalation but is marred by ongoing disputes over the full implementation of the deal.
The release of the 20 hostages marks a pivotal moment in the two-year war that began with Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. According to the Israeli military, these individuals were among the 251 people abducted during that assault, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel. The hostages, who had been held for 738 days in Gaza, were transferred to Israeli authorities and are now receiving medical and psychological care. Their return follows intense diplomatic efforts, including a ceasefire resolution approved by Israel and brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump, aiming to halt the violence that has killed over 67,000 people in Gaza, as reported by Hamas-run health authorities.
Among the released hostages are individuals with diverse backgrounds, including twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, aged 28, who were abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Other notable cases include Ariel Cunio, 28, taken from Nir Oz, and Avinatan Or, 32, who was separated from his girlfriend Noa Argamani during the Nova music festival attack; Noa was rescued in a military operation last year. Many of these hostages endured harsh conditions, with reports from previously released captives describing untreated injuries, chronic illnesses, and severe malnutrition. For instance, Matan Angrest, a 22-year-old soldier, suffered from asthma and infections, while Evyatar David was shown in Hamas videos as emaciated and weak, raising concerns about his survival.
The ceasefire agreement, which facilitated the hostage release, also involves the exchange of Palestinian detainees and aims to allow aid into Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians. However, the deal has been fragile, with Israel accusing Hamas of violating terms by delaying the handover of deceased hostages’ bodies. Hamas has cited difficulties in recovering remains due to widespread destruction in Gaza and has called for the reopening of the Rafah crossing to enable specialized equipment and personnel to assist in the process. This stalemate has led to warnings from the U.S. State Department about potential ceasefire violations and underscores the challenges in maintaining the truce.
In addition to the living hostages, Hamas has returned the bodies of several deceased individuals, including Ronen Engel, a 54-year-old volunteer medic killed while defending his family during the October 7 attack. His wife and two daughters were previously released in a 2023 ceasefire, highlighting the prolonged anguish faced by families. Israel has identified other returned remains, such as those of Bipin Joshi, a 23-year-old Nepalese student, and Guy Illouz, who died from injuries sustained at the Nova festival. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has emphatically stated that it will not compromise on the return of all hostages, both living and deceased, insisting that Hamas uphold its commitments to mediators.
The hostage release has brought emotional relief to families who had campaigned for their loved ones’ return, with many expressing joy and gratitude upon reunification. However, it also exposes the deep humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Palestinians are trekking back to ruined homes amid the ceasefire. Aid has begun flowing into the strip, but the destruction from the conflict poses significant obstacles to recovery. The situation remains volatile, with Hamas rejecting U.S. allegations of ceasefire violations and accusing Israel of supporting criminal gangs that disrupt security in Gaza, further complicating peace efforts.
Looking ahead, the focus is on ensuring the ceasefire holds, facilitating the return of all remaining hostage bodies, and addressing the long-term impacts of the war. International mediators, including the U.S. and the International Committee of the Red Cross, are working to monitor compliance and support humanitarian aid. The resolution of these issues is critical for achieving lasting peace and providing closure for the affected families, as the region grapples with the aftermath of one of its most devastating conflicts.