Israel announced on Monday that Hamas no longer holds any living Israeli hostages, as the final group of 13 captives were handed over to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and is now on their way home. The release marks the end of more than two years of captivity for the remaining hostages held in Gaza.
This group follows the earlier release of seven Israeli men who also returned home on Monday after spending 738 days in Hamas custody.
Those freed earlier include Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dallal.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the handover of the hostages to Israeli forces inside the Gaza Strip.
In a post on X, the IDF confirmed, “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 stated that the freed hostages would undergo a medical examination upon arrival. It further added, “IDF commanders and soldiers salute and embrace the returnees on their way back home.”
IDF Urges Public Sensitivity
The IDF Spokesperson urged citizens to show restraint and sensitivity, respecting the privacy of the released individuals and relying solely on official information. The forces also confirmed that they are ready to receive additional hostages when the Red Cross transfers them later.
Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis gathered at the Nova music festival site, where Hamas carried out a deadly attack on 7 October 2023. The gathering featured special holiday prayers in memory of the victims and those who endured captivity.
Earlier, Hamas announced the release of 20 ‘living Israeli captives’ as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal.
In a statement, the group’s Al-Qassam Brigades claimed that the agreement resulted from the ‘steadfastness’ of its fighters and pledged to honour the deal as long as Israel adhered to it.
The statement further alleged that Israel ‘could have returned most of its captives alive many months ago’ but had ‘chosen to delay’. The day’s developments mark a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict and humanitarian negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
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