Final 20 Hostages Freed by Hamas, Return to Israel After Over Two Years in Captivity along with 4 Dead bodies

Agencies, Gaza/Israel, October 13, 2025 :  In a pivotal moment of the ongoing ceasefire agreement, the last 20 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have been returned to Israel, bringing an end to their more than two years of captivity. The release of these hostages is part of a broader ceasefire deal negotiated with the assistance of international mediators.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which has played a critical role in advocating for the return of the hostages, has responded to this breakthrough with a call for accountability. The Forum is demanding the "immediate suspension of all agreement implementation" until the remains of all deceased hostages are returned to their families. The group has also raised concerns over Hamas’s failure to meet the terms of the agreement, particularly regarding the return of deceased hostages' bodies.

Discrepancy in Body Transfers: Forum’s Concerns

Earlier today, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum raised concerns after receiving information that only four bodies of deceased hostages would be returned today. Hamas later confirmed the names of the four individuals whose bodies would be repatriated.

The four deceased hostages are:

• Guy Illouz

• Yossi Sharabi

• Bipin Joshi (Nepal)

• Daniel Peretz

In response, the Forum issued a statement:

“Hamas’s violation of the agreement must be met with a very serious response. An agreement must be honoured by both sides. If Hamas does not fulfil their part, Israel should not fulfil its part either.”

The Forum further stressed: "We demand all 28 hostages back. We will not give up on anyone, until the last hostage is returned."

Israel's Response: Defence Minister Calls Release of Only Four Bodies a "Failure"

In a separate statement, Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, echoed the concerns raised by the Forum. He called the release of only four bodies a "failure" by Hamas to fulfill its commitments under the ceasefire agreement.

For context, a copy of the ceasefire agreement published by Israeli media specifies that the remains of all deceased hostages should be handed over by 12:00 local time (10:00 BST) on Monday. However, the agreement also acknowledges that Hamas and other Palestinian factions may not be able to locate all bodies within the given timeframe.

Red Cross in Gaza for Hostage Body Transfers

The Red Cross is now en route to Gaza, as confirmed by the Israeli military, to collect the bodies of deceased hostages. According to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, several coffins of deceased hostages will be handed over to the Red Cross at a designated meeting point in southern Gaza.

The IDF also confirmed it is prepared to receive more coffins, which will be transferred to the Red Cross in subsequent stages. The IDF statement advised against speculation about the identities of the deceased hostages and encouraged the public to await official confirmation.

Hostages’ Return to Israel: Medical Assessments and Family Reunions

In a positive development, the 20 living hostages returned by Hamas today have been swiftly transferred to Israeli hospitals for initial medical assessments. The IDF confirmed that the hostages were flown by helicopter to medical facilities in Israel.

Among those returned are:

• Bar Abraham Kupershtein

• Evyatar David

• Yosef-Chaim Ohana

• Segev Kalfon

• Avinatan Or

• Elkana Bohbot 

• Maxim Herkin 

• Nimrod Cohen

• Matan Angrest

• Matan Zangauker

• Eitan Horn

• Eitan Abraham Mor

• Gali Berman

• Ziv Berman

• Omri Miran

• Alon Ohel

• Guy Gilboa-Dalal

• Rom Braslavski

• Ariel Cunio and 

• David Cunio.

These individuals, after enduring more than two years of captivity, will undergo further medical care and will be reunited with their families.

Crowds Gather to Welcome Released Hostages in Gaza

As the hostages were freed, crowds gathered outside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, to welcome the returned individuals. The scene was emotional, as family members embraced their loved ones after years of uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Palestinian prisoners are also being released as part of the ongoing ceasefire deal. According to the Israeli Prison Service, 1,968 Palestinian prisoners have been released today, transferred from Israeli detention facilities to locations in Gaza and the West Bank. The prisoners were transferred in two groups: one from Ofer Prison to areas in the West Bank, and the other from Ketziot Prison to the Kerem Shalom crossing, a key border crossing into Gaza.

International Diplomacy: Trump Arrives for Peace Summit

In a related development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to attend a peace summit involving 20 world leaders. Trump was welcomed on the red carpet by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, with the two leaders sharing a brief conversation before Trump proceeded to his limousine.

Hostages’ Emotional Reunions Broadcast to Thousands

The release of the final hostages has been a momentous event for Israel. Families of the returned hostages were overjoyed to be reunited, with emotional scenes unfolding across the country. In Tel Aviv, an estimated 65,000 people gathered in front of large screens in “Hostages Square”, watching the emotional reunions unfold on live television. Millions more were able to follow the coverage at home.

Among the emotional reunions was that of Omri Miran, 48, who was abducted in front of his wife and two children during Hamas’s attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 at Nahal Oz kibbutz. His family declared his return as a “victory for an entire people”, underscoring the national significance of the hostage release.

This moment marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict, with international attention focused on ensuring the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the safe return of all hostages.