Two years after the devastating October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, a major breakthrough occurred Monday as 20 hostages were released from Gaza and returned to Israel under a new ceasefire agreement. The handover, coordinated by the Red Cross, brought renewed — though cautious — hope to families who have endured years of fear and uncertainty.
The released hostages include civilians and soldiers — young and old — many abducted from kibbutzim near the Gaza border or the Nova music festival, where hundreds were killed during the initial assault. Under the deal, Hamas agreed to release all surviving hostages and return the bodies of the dead, while Israel freed approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including hundreds serving life sentences.
Israeli President Donald Trump, visiting Jerusalem, met with several of the hostage families at the Knesset before addressing lawmakers, according to the Hostage and Missing Families Forum. The ceasefire, which began last Friday, has provided a fragile respite from the two-year war that has devastated Gaza and claimed tens of thousands of lives.
The Health Ministry in Gaza, operated by Hamas, reported over 67,000 Palestinian deaths — roughly half women and children — while Israeli authorities confirmed more than 1,200 killed during the 2023 attack. The United Nations continues to describe the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic,” with 90% of residents displaced.