In a significant development in the Israel-Hamas conflict, Hamas has released 20 living hostages and returned the bodies of 22 deceased individuals to Israel under a ceasefire agreement, offering hope and closure to families after more than two years of captivity since the October 7, 2023, attacks.
The release occurred on November 7, 2025, with the hostages handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza before being transferred to Israeli authorities. This event is part of a broader ceasefire deal that has temporarily halted hostilities, building on previous agreements aimed at de-escalating the prolonged conflict. The Israeli military confirmed the return, emphasizing its commitment to recovering all hostages, both living and deceased, as negotiations continue.
Among the living hostages are Gali and Ziv Berman, 28-year-old twin brothers abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, who were held alongside their neighbor Emily Damari until her release in an earlier ceasefire. Their family had maintained hope based on accounts from other freed hostages. Similarly, Ariel Cunio, 28, from Nir Oz, was separated from his partner Arbel Yehud, who was freed in January 2025, and his brother David was also among those previously released.
Other individuals include Avinatan Or, 32, kidnapped at the Nova music festival with his girlfriend Noa Argamani, who was rescued in a June 2024 military operation. Matan Angrest, a 22-year-old soldier, suffered from chronic asthma, burns, and infections in captivity, as reported by earlier released hostages. Conditions for many were dire, with accounts of food shortages, untreated medical issues, and confinement in tunnels, highlighting the humanitarian challenges faced during their ordeal.
The deceased hostages returned include Bipin Joshi, a 23-year-old Nepalese student, and American Israelis Omer Neutra and Itay Chen, both soldiers killed on October 7, 2023. Their bodies were identified and returned this week, bringing the total number of hostage bodies still in Gaza to six, according to Israeli officials. Many of the deceased were confirmed dead over time, with some families receiving no signs of life for months before the recent developments.
The hostage crisis began with the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 people. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has led to over 68,000 fatalities, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry, exacerbating regional tensions and humanitarian crises. Previous ceasefires in November 2023 and early 2025 facilitated the release of dozens of hostages, but this latest deal marks a critical step toward resolving the remaining cases.
Internationally, the United States is seeking United Nations approval for a security force to train Palestinian police in Gaza, as part of President Trump’s peace plan. This initiative aims to stabilize the region and secure borders, with discussions ongoing among key Arab countries and Israel. The release has drawn relief from global leaders, though concerns persist about the ongoing conflict and the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace.
As the ceasefire holds, focus shifts to recovering the six remaining hostage bodies and addressing the broader implications for regional stability. This event underscores the complex dynamics of the Israel-Hamas war, offering a moment of respite while highlighting the enduring challenges in one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.