The first seven Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023, attacks have been released and are now in the care of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), marking a major step in the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
According to the IDF, the freed hostages identified as Eitan Mor, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Omri Miran, Alon Ohel, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, and Matan Angrest were received by Israeli and Israel Security Agency (ISA) personnel and are undergoing initial medical assessments.
Scenes of jubilation broke out in Hostages Square, Tel Aviv, as thousands gathered to celebrate the news. People waved Israeli flags and carried signs reading “They’re coming home,” as the clock counting the hostages’ time in captivity finally stopped. “This is a moment of national unity,” said Galit, a long-time demonstrator who has attended weekly rallies for nearly two years.
The release follows a landmark agreement in which Israel will free 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 detainees in exchange for the safe return of Israeli hostages. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has confirmed its involvement in facilitating the transfers but said no images of the released individuals will be shared to protect their dignity and safety.
Adding a diplomatic dimension to the day’s developments, U.S. President Donald Trump departed Washington for Israel, calling the ceasefire “the end of the war in Gaza.” He is expected to visit Egypt afterward for a summit with around 20 world leaders. “Everybody’s cheering at one time. That’s never happened before,” he said aboard Air Force One, expressing optimism about regional normalization.
As the first stage of releases unfolds, attention now turns to the Board of Peace, a planned supervisory body expected to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and ensure lasting stability in the region.
