On Monday, Hamas released the final 20 living Israeli hostages under a ceasefire mediated with U.S. involvement, in two handovers facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross—first seven, then thirteen. Israel has begun freeing Palestinian prisoners and detainees under the exchange.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified 13 returning hostages—Matan Zangauker, Maxim Herkin, Segev Kalfon, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, Nimrod Cohen, Avinatan Or, Evyatar David, Eitan Horn, David Cunio, Ariel Cunio, Elkana Bohbot, Bar Kupershtein and Rom Braslavski—who crossed back into Israel accompanied by IDF and Shin Bet personnel.
The military said they were headed to an initial reception point in southern Israel to reunite with families, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
A short time later, the IDF said the returned hostages had been airlifted to hospitals for continued care and reunions, noting that Eitan Mor, Ziv Berman and Gali Berman were flown by IAF helicopters with fa mily members. Medical assessments are underway.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump met with families of the deceased and returning hostages, wounded IDF soldiers, and bereaved families, according to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.
Under the exchange, Israel is freeing roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees as part of the truce framework while the remains of 28 deceased hostages are to be transferred to Israel.
Trump’s visit includes remarks to the Knesset and participation in a regional summit in Egypt connected to the ceasefire and exchange.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
