The remaining 20 Israeli hostages who are alive have been released and are now on Israeli soil. Many of the families said their first hellos through a video call. The hostages themselves were flown to hospital for medical and mental health treatment.

Jerusalem

Israel and Iran have agreed a ceasefire after a twelve day conflict. Meanwhile, Israel strikes in Gaza continue with the humanitarian crisis deepening.

Middle East Conflict

Twenty Israeli hostages who had been held by Hamas in Gaza for over two years have returned to Israel. Their release was met with widespread relief and emotional reunions, many of which were shared live with the nation and involved first greetings over video calls as the hostages were transported to hospitals.

The hostages included individuals taken from their homes and public events, such as the Nova Music Festival. Families and communities celebrated their return, though representatives for the hostages have noted that ongoing medical, psychological, and social support will be necessary for their recovery. Despite the challenges ahead, the prevailing emotions among families and the wider public are joy and relief.

Families of living Israeli hostages rejoice at their return

Two years and six days after they were taken by Hamas into Gaza, the 20 remaining living hostages are back in Israel. Each one live-streamed to the joy and relief of a nation, and to their families, many of whom said their first hellos over a video call. Like the mother of Matan Zangauka, her 25-year-old son was kidnapped outside his home in Kibbutz Neroz with his girlfriend Ilana Grazutsky. She was released in the first ceasefire of November 2023. God is great, Matan, she said. You are coming back home. And many of those first video calls were made as hostages were transported by helicopter to hospitals. Twins Ziv and Ghali Berman were separated during their captivity, on these whiteboards writing thank you for everything. In the town of Lavan, all eyes were waiting for Alon Ohel. The pianist had become one of the symbols for those demanding the hostage release. Alon, you are not alone. His mother had led a campaign encouraging people to play the piano in his honour. Sheer jubilation at the broadcast of the first video of Ohel. There is no words to describe how I feel. The best day of my life, really. Some family embraces were particularly poignant. 23-year-old Bar Kuperstein's father was paralysed five years ago after a car accident. Since his son was taken from the Nova Music Festival, he has worked to talk and walk again all for this hug. That pure emotion also echoed in Geigelboa de Lau's reunion. The 24-year-old, also taken from the Nova Music Festival, separated there from his brother Gael, today in the arms of his parents and siblings. His friend Eviatar David reunited with his parents, who for years, like so many others, had fought tirelessly for this release. In August, Hamas released this video of David begging for a ceasefire while digging his own grave. Another Hamas video in April showed Hungarian-Israeli citizen Omri Moran. The oldest of the hostages released, he was kidnapped in front of his wife and two daughters at their home in Kibbutz Niraz. Hamas militants had threatened to shoot their neighbours if they didn't open their door. But today, pure joy from his wife as she watched her husband being released. And then finally, reunited again. But all those scenes of undiluted jubilation come with an undercurrent, that the road to full recovery will surely be difficult. Groups representing the hostages and their families say they will need ongoing medical, psychological and social rehabilitation. But for now, the emotions are joy and relief. For the hostages, for their families, and for an entire country.

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Trump says U.S. struck another alleged Venezuelan drug boat

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Antananarivo

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Washington

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Sharm El-Sheikh

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Shutdown drags into third week as Senate set to reconvene

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Tel Aviv-Yafo

Trump meets with Israeli leaders and hostage families

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Israeli officials have confirmed that all 20 living captives have been released in Gaza.

Israel confirms all 20 living captives in Gaza have been released

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Israel-Hamas swap begins as 2,000 Palestinian prisoners set for release

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Donald Trump to co-host chair Gaza peace summit in Egypt

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Paris

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Beijing

Global Tariffs

Beijing blames U.S. for trade tensions, defends rare earth curbs

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Chaman

Border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan leave dozens dead

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Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

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Taipei City

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Hollywood

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Tennessee

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London

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The families of hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 are eagerly awaiting the return of their loved ones. The peace deal between Israel and Hamas would see the hostages returned within 72 hours of its implementation Friday.

Families of hostages in Gaza await their release

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Families of living Israeli hostages rejoice at their return

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