After 738 Days, All 20 Living Hostages Freed From Hamas Captivity By The Media Line Staff The last of the 20 living hostages has been released from Hamas captivity after 738 days since they were abducted during the October 7 massacre. The final transfers took place under the ceasefire and hostage deal brokered by President […]
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The Media Line: After 738 Days, All 20 Living Hostages Freed From Hamas Captivity
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After 738 Days, All 20 Living Hostages Freed From Hamas Captivity
By The Media Line Staff
The last of the 20 living hostages has been released from Hamas captivity after 738 days since they were abducted during the October 7 massacre. The final transfers took place under the ceasefire and hostage deal brokered by President Donald Trump, ending one of the most agonizing chapters in Israel’s history.
Thirteen hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza before being transferred to the Israeli Defense Forces, while seven others had already been received earlier at Israeli military bases. The freed hostages include Bar Kupershtein, Evyatar David, Rom Braslavski, Yosef Haim Ohana, Segev Kalfon, Avinatan Or, Elkana Bohbot, Maxim Herkin, Nimrod Cohen, Matan Zangauker, David and Ariel Cunio, and Eitan Horn. Another group — Eitan Mor, Alon Ohel, Gali and Ziv Berman, Omri Miran, Matan Angrest, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal — entered Israel through a northern Gaza crossing accompanied by IDF and Shin Bet personnel.
In southern Israel, helicopters and convoys carried the freed hostages to the Re’im reception base, where medical staff performed initial evaluations before family reunions. Emotional scenes followed as families clutched their loved ones for the first time in two years. “He looks fine, thank God,” said Avi Ohana, father of Yosef Haim Ohana. Seeing his smile brought back the smile from two years ago. It feels like a dream.”
Julie Kupershtein, Bar’s mother, told Ynet of her shock at receiving a call moments before her son’s release. “We were in the compound, and suddenly there was a missed call,” she said. “I saw it was from the al-Aqsa Brigades—I called back, and they answered. Suddenly, I saw Bar. He said, ‘Mom, everything’s okay.’ What a man.”
The family of Omri Miran expressed gratitude upon learning that he had crossed into Israel. “Dad Omri is home,” they said. “After more than 700 days of pain and uncertainty, he will finally receive a hug from Roni and Alma that will heal everything.”
Throughout the morning, Hostages Square in Tel Aviv was filled with crowds waving Israeli flags as the Red Cross convoys moved north. “The excitement can’t be described,” Vicky Cohen, mother of freed soldier Nimrod Cohen, told Ynet.
In Jerusalem, the Cabinet met as updates from the field came in. President Isaac Herzog confirmed that he will award President Trump Israel’s Presidential Medal of Honor for his role in brokering the agreement. En route to Israel, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, “The war is over—you understand that.”
By late morning, the Red Cross confirmed that all 20 living captives were safely out of Gaza. Across Israel, prayers turned to cheers, marking the end of 738 days of torment and the beginning of long-awaited homecomings.