Tel Aviv – Officials have confirmed the release of 20 hostages from Gaza on Monday under the ongoing ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement. The Israeli government verified the names late this evening, following coordination with the International Red Cross.
The newly freed hostages include a mix of civilians, soldiers, and festival-goers who were taken captive during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks—the deadliest single day in Israel’s modern history. Many had been held for more than two years. Families and supporters gathered outside hospitals across the country as buses carrying the released Israelis arrived for medical checks and reunions.
According to information confirmed by multiple outlets, including Reuters and Israeli government sources, the following hostages have been released:
- Matan Angrest, 22 – IDF soldier kidnapped from a tank near Nahal Oz.
- Gali Berman, 27 – Kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza with twin brother.
- Ziv Berman, 27 – Kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza with twin brother.
- Elkana Bohbot, 35 – Taken from the Nova music festival in Re’im.
- Rom Braslavski, 22 – Security guard at the Nova festival.
- Nimrod Cohen, 21 – IDF soldier abducted near the Gaza border.
- David Cunio, 35 – Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz; wife and daughters were released in an earlier exchange.
- Ariel Cunio, 28 – Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz alongside his brother.
- Evyatar David, 24 – Abducted from the Nova festival.
- Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 23 – Kidnapped from the Nova festival.
- Maxim Herkin, 35 – Ukrainian immigrant, taken from the Nova festival.
- Eitan Horn, 38 – Visiting his brother in Kibbutz Nir Oz when abducted.
- Segev Kalfon, 27 – Taken from the Nova festival grounds.
- Bar Abraham Kupershtein, 22 – Security guard at the Nova festival.
- Omri Miran, 47 – Kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz.
- Eitan Abraham Mor, 23 – Security guard at the Nova festival.
- Yosef-Chaim Ohana, 25 – Kidnapped from the Nova festival after helping the wounded.
- Alon Ohel, 24 – Abducted from the Nova festival; sustained an eye injury.
- Avinatan Or, 32 – Kidnapped from the Nova festival; his partner was rescued earlier.
- Matan Zangauker, 25 – Taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz; his girlfriend was released earlier.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that all 20 individuals were transferred to Israeli custody and transported to hospitals for evaluation. Most are reported to be in stable physical condition, though several are being treated for malnutrition and trauma.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the release “a moment of light amid great darkness,” while reiterating that efforts continue to bring home the remaining captives. According to Israeli officials, the bodies of more than 28 hostages are still believed to be held in Gaza, including several soldiers and foreign nationals.
Many of the newly freed hostages had become familiar names to the Israeli public through posters, rallies, and social media campaigns that kept their stories alive during their long captivity. Families of the Nova festival victims—where over 378 civilians were massacred—said the release provides hope but not closure.
“We’re grateful to have them back,” said one relative of a released hostage, “but we can’t forget those who are still there.”
Negotiations for the exchange were mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, and come as part of a phased truce agreement aimed at reducing hostilities while addressing humanitarian conditions inside Gaza. The arrangement required Israel to release Palestinian prisoners in return.
Security analysts caution that the deal may only provide temporary relief, noting that Hamas has previously leveraged hostage releases for political advantage. Meanwhile, families of the deceased continue to pressure the Israeli government to keep negotiations alive until every last hostage is home.
As of Monday night, crowds gathered in Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square” lit candles and held Israeli flags in silent tribute. The mood was one of gratitude, tempered by grief—and a collective resolve that the fight for the missing must continue.
Source attribution: Hostage names confirmed via Israeli government statement and Reuters report, October 13, 2025.