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Breaking News: After more than two years in captivity, Hamas has released the last living Israeli hostages held in Gaza as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal. The release, which occurred on Monday, October 13, marks a major turning point in the region’s long and brutal conflict.

In a peace deal brokered by US President Donald Trump, a ceasefire was followed by the return of the Israeli hostages.

Trump Peace Deal Brings Hope as Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Holds and Palestinians Return Home - USA Herald

A Historic Ceasefire and a Moment of Relief

A total of 20 hostages were freed under the terms of the agreement negotiated by the United States and international mediators. Seven of them returned to Israel separately, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a volunteer organization dedicated to securing the safe return of abductees.

“Generations from now, this will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change,” President Donald Trump declared during a more than 40-minute address to the Israeli Knesset, emphasizing that this release was part of a broader effort “to end two years of war and bring lasting peace.”

Emotional Reunions Across Israel

Following their release, families gathered in hospitals and military bases to welcome their loved ones back home. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency confirmed that all 20 hostages had returned to Israeli territory, where they are undergoing medical evaluations after 738 days in captivity.

“Seeing my brother again after all this time feels like waking up from a nightmare,” said Nimrod Cohen’s sister, holding back tears as she embraced him for the first time since his abduction near Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Photos released by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum showed the freed captives looking pale but in better health than some previously released in early 2024.

Who Were the Freed Israeli Hostages?

The hostages came from diverse backgrounds, many of them abducted during the Nova music festival or from southern Israeli kibbutzim near Gaza. Among those released:

• Alon Ohel, 24, was abducted after fleeing the Nova festival.
• David and Ariel Cunio, brothers taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
• Eitan Horn, 38, was kidnapped while visiting family.
• Matan Zangauker, 25, a muscular dystrophy patient abducted from his home in Nir Oz.
• Omri Miran, 48, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nahal Oz.
• Twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, 28, were taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza.

The full list of freed hostages reflects the human toll of a conflict that has scarred both sides for years.

What Happens Next?

While the release has sparked global celebration, uncertainty looms over the next steps. As Israel begins to free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in return, analysts warn of the fragile nature of the ceasefire.

“Peace is possible, but only if both sides resist the pull of revenge,” said a senior mediator familiar with the negotiations.

For now, Israelis and Palestinians alike are breathing a rare sigh of relief, hoping that this breakthrough marks the beginning of a sustained peace.

Relevant Links

• Hostages freed by Hamas in ceasefire agreement. Who are they?
• Israeli hostages reunited with families in emotional moments
• Trump’s Address to the Knesset