Hamas has released the last group of 20 hostages it kept in Gaza, ending a 737‑day ordeal that began on Oct. 7, 2023. The Freed hostages were handed over to Israeli forces by the Red Cross on Monday morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed. The first seven—Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa‑Dalal—were transferred safely and are now in medical care.
The bodies of 28 other captives are still in Gaza. The remaining bodies are expected to be released later today, completing the human toll of the conflict. The survivors’ two‑year nightmare has finally ended, following what Israel described as a “devastating war” aimed at crushing Hamas and freeing the hostages.
Why this matters
This release signals a turning point in the Gaza war and in President Trump’s 20‑point cease‑fire plan. After the deal, Israel pulled its troops out of most of Gaza and halted new attacks on Hamas. Today, the humanitarian relief that has been stalled for months is set to flood the war‑torn Strip as the cease‑fire takes hold.
In September 2024, at least six hostages were shot dead when Israeli soldiers approached their hiding place. Their deaths underscored the deadly price of the conflict and the urgency of the cease‑fire.
The release in detail
The IDF says the first 20 living captives were already in Gaza when the deal was sealed. Among the freed are Avinatan Or, Matan Zangauker, and the 22‑year‑old Matan Angrest. The IDF and Hamas also agreed to hand over all bodies of dead hostages—a major step toward closure.
A subsequent phase of the agreement will involve Israel releasing almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including around 250 who are serving life sentences. Those releases are tied to the larger effort to normalize the region.
Looking ahead
Trump is expected to arrive in Israel tomorrow, marked by a ceremony to welcome back the freed hostages and to acknowledge the war’s end. The event will also serve as a platform for the U.S. to push for a permanent resolution with Hamas, whom it has agreed to disarm under international pressure.
The humanitarian boom that follows the cease‑fire will bring vital aid—including food, water and medical supplies—into Gaza, helping displaced Palestinians rebuild after months of conflict.
In short, the freeing of the last hostages signals the fade of the hostage crisis that began in 2023, the start of a humanitarian influx, and a new chapter in the region’s struggle for peace.
Source: New York Post
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