Hamas has released all 20 living Israeli hostages as part of a landmark prisoner exchange deal with Israel.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Monday, October 13, that the hostages had safely crossed back into Israel from Gaza, bringing an end to a tense and emotional standoff that had captivated global attention for weeks.
According to the IDF, the released hostages were received by Israeli medical teams for initial health checks before being airlifted to hospitals across the country for further treatment and reunification with their families.
Among those freed were Alon Ohel, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, and Omri Miran, three of the first to be released earlier in the day. IDF helicopters transported them to hospitals following preliminary evaluations.
Heartwarming footage shared by the military showed 48-year-old Omri Miran embracing his wife, Lishay, after months apart. Miran, abducted from his home in Nahal Oz during the October 7, 2023 attack, appeared emotional but in stable condition.
In a separate statement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the names of 13 additional hostages released by Hamas, including Elkana Bohbot, Avinatan Or, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, and Bar Kupershtein, who was abducted while working at the Nova music festival.
Meanwhile, buses carrying freed Palestinian prisoners arrived in Ramallah and Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Prisoners Office. As part of the ceasefire deal, Israel is releasing over 1,900 prisoners, marking one of the largest exchange agreements in years.
