The joyful mother of one of the Israeli hostages expressed her excitement to her son, assuring him that he would soon be free from the grip of Hamas after spending two years in captivity. Matan Zangauker, aged 25, is among the 20 Israeli hostages being released today under the care of the Red Cross, following his abduction by Hamas during a cross-border incident on October 7, 2023.
In a touching video call, Matan’s mother, Einav, held back tears of joy as she delivered the heartwarming news to her son, saying, “You’re coming home – you’re all coming home. There’s no more war!” Einav had tirelessly campaigned for her son’s release over the past two years, urging the government to secure their freedom. Matan’s partner, Ilana Gritzewsky, who was also abducted with him from Kibbutz Nir Oz, was released a month after their capture in November 2023.
The Red Cross confirmed the reception of seven Israeli hostages following the signing of a significant ceasefire agreement. Among the released individuals were Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal. The former captives will be transferred to Israeli-controlled areas of Gaza by Red Cross vehicles, then onward to the Rei’im base in southern Israel for medical treatment and reunification with their families after more than 700 days apart.
US President Donald Trump was anticipated to arrive in Tel Aviv to claim credit for the peace deal that led to the end of the conflict before attending a Middle East summit. In Tel Aviv, car horns blared in celebration as the hostages reached safety, while forensic teams prepared to receive the remains of up to 28 deceased hostages later in the day.
The day marked a possible end to the gathering of Israelis at Hostage Square, where the Bring Them Home initiative had tirelessly advocated for the hostages’ release. Meanwhile, as Israeli captives were transported back home, hundreds of Palestinians were set to be released from prisons and relocated to Gaza or abroad.
Hamas announced that 20 living hostages would be exchanged for over 1,900 Palestinian detainees held by Israel, with an additional 25 Gaza hostages believed to have perished in captivity.