Hamas released the final 20 living Israeli hostages held in Gaza for over two years, marking a significant step toward ending the conflict that began with the October 7, 2023 attacks on October 13, 2025. This release was part of a broader ceasefire agreement facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump, involving the exchange of nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners. The deal also includes the return of 28 deceased hostages’ remains, though only four bodies were repatriated on the same day.
Who Are the 20 Freed Hostages?
The released hostages include civilians and soldiers, many of whom were abducted during the Nova Music Festival massacre, where nearly 400 people were killed, and dozens were taken hostage. Here are some of the individuals among the 20 freed:
Gali and Ziv Berman, 28
The twin brothers were kidnapped from kibbutz Kfar Aza. Seventeen others were kidnapped from the kibbutz, but the Bermans were the last hostages from the region. Gali is a social person, while Ziv is quiet with a sense of humor, says their older brother Liran.
Omri Miran, 48
Kidnapped from the Nahal Oz kibbutz, Miran’s family, two of whom are his daughters, was taken hostage in a neighbor’s house and streamed live on Facebook during the attack. His wife, Lishay Miran Lavi, said their youngest daughter knew him only from pictures and videos.
Matan Angrest, 22
An Israeli military pilot, Angrest was captured from his tank in southern Israel. His mother, Anat, has been an outspoken critic of Prime Minister Netanyahu, making public pleas for the release of her son.
Eitan Mor, 25
Mor, a security guard at the Nova festival, assisted in evacuating wounded spectators during the assault. His family had lobbied for military pressure rather than a swift ceasefire, creating tension with other hostage families.
Alon Ohel, 24
Kidnapped during Nova festival, Ohel holds German and Serbian citizenship. He was kept with other hostages, chained, and given moldy pita to eat. He was injured with shrapnel in the eye, with concerns over partial blindness.
Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 24
Of the Nova festival hostages, Gilboa-Dalal was seen in videos begging to be released along with his childhood friends.
Elkana Bohbot, 36
Bohbot was recorded under coercion placing staged phone calls to relatives, including his son, who often checked up on his father.
Rom Braslavski, 21
Nova security guard Braslavski was injured as he assisted festival-goers in their evacuation. Video recordings recorded him digging his own grave, which outraged Israeli families and led to protests.
Nimrod Cohen, 21
Kidnapped from a tank, Cohen is famous for enjoying Rubik’s cubes, a charred cube was discovered at the scene of his kidnapping. His family commemorates hostages by depicting a Passover haggadah.
Ariel Cunio, 28 & David Cunio, 35
Both taken from kibbutz Nir Oz with relatives. Although some of their families had been released beforehand, David is still among those recently released.
Evyatar David, 24
Also captured from the Nova festival, David was displayed in Hamas videos burying himself alive, which led to mass protests in Israel.
Maksym Harkin, 37
An Israeli-born Ukrainian, Harkin was present at his first festival when kidnapped. His family reported that his last words before the attack were “I love you.”
Eitan Horn, 38
Held with his brother Iair, Horn was kept in a dirty underground cell for much of the war. Iair was freed earlier and has protested for the release of his brother.
Segev Kalfon, 27
Seized from Nova festival, Kalfon had just been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. His family has sought to help efforts for his release by recourse to religious rituals.
Bar Kupershtein, 23
Nova security guard Kupershtein remained to assist wounded attendees. He is the sole provider for his family.
Yosef-Chaim Ohana, 25
As a Nova festival staff member, Ohana assisted others to flee before being abducted. He has three brothers and is the eldest.
Avinatan Or, 32
Abducted together with his girlfriend, Noa Argamani, who was freed in June 2024. Footage of their kidnapping became widely publicized.
Matan Zangauker, 25
Caught by kibbutz Nir Oz with his girlfriend. His mother has been a regular at demonstrations, raising public awareness of the plight of the hostages.
Two Hostages Confirmed Dead
Bipin Joshi, 24
A Nepali student in Israel, Joshi was the sole non-Israeli thought to be alive. He was taken while working and taking agriculture courses. His family has been campaigning actively among Nepal and Israeli officials for his release.
Tamir Nimrodi, 20
Taken from the Erez crossing, Nimrodi served with Israel’s humanitarian aid defense body. No sign of life had been observed for two years. His mother, Herut Nimrodi, said, “I’m scared to even imagine” the conditions of his captivity.
The release of these hostages has brought immense relief to their families and the nation. However, the return of 28 deceased hostages’ remains remains a point of contention, with only four bodies repatriated so far. The broader peace process continues, with significant challenges ahead.
