Seven Israeli Hostages Released by Hamas After Over Two Years in Captivity

Jerusalem — Seven Israeli hostages have been handed over to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and are now en route home after more than two years in Hamas captivity.

The released hostages include Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dallal. They were transferred to Israeli control by the Red Cross in the Gaza Strip.

In a post on X, the IDF said, “Returning to Their Borders. Seven returning hostages have now met IDF and Shin Bet forces in the Gaza Strip, and they are on their way to Israeli territory.” The military added that the hostages will undergo medical assessments upon arrival.

“IDF commanders and soldiers salute and embrace the returnees on their way back home,” the statement said, urging the public to respect the privacy of the returnees and follow official information. The IDF also noted that additional hostages are expected to be transferred via the Red Cross later.

The remaining 13 hostages are scheduled to be released later in the day from different areas of Gaza.

Earlier, Hamas announced the release of 20 “living Israeli captives” as part of the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal.

“The agreement reached is the fruit of the steadfastness of our people and the resilience of its resistance fighters. We announce our commitment to the agreement and related timelines, as long as the occupation adheres to it,” said Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades. They also claimed that Israel could have returned most of its captives months ago but continued to delay the process.

Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis gathered at the Nova site — the location of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks — for special holiday prayer services, marking a poignant moment amid the hostage release.

With iputs from IANS